Talking to Kids and Parents about A.I. ('Digital Parenting: Raising the A.I. Generation')
News & Politics
Talking to Kids and Parents about A.I. ("Digital Parenting: Raising the A.I. Generation")
This article provides insights into the challenges and concerns parents face in the digital age where technology, specifically Artificial Intelligence (A.I.), is advancing at a rapid pace. The discussion revolves around how families can navigate these changes, the impact of A.I. on children's development, and the importance of open conversations between parents and their kids.
This NBC News Now special town hall focuses on the topic of digital parenting in the A.I. generation. As technology evolves faster than parents and children can keep up, it can be overwhelming to understand the implications of A.I. and its effects on families. The panel of experts featured in this discussion includes Chenadie Bevil, a futurist entrepreneur and founder of tech education company Way; Dr. Jenny Radeski, a media researcher and director of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics at the University of Michigan Medical School; and Merv Lapus, the vice president of Outreach and Engagement at Common Sense Media.
The town hall commences with the speakers acknowledging Aura, the sponsor behind the online resource "Digital Parenthood." This digital platform aims to support parents in navigating the challenges of raising children in the digital environment. To set the context for the discussion, the results of a survey on family attitudes towards A.I. are shared. According to the survey conducted by CNBC and Generation Lab, 75% of parents express concerns about the impact of A.I. on their children, with 51% believing there are more risks associated with the technology. However, A.I. is still relatively new to many families, with 56% rarely or never using A.I. tools and only 34% using them a few times per week.
Chenadie Bevil explains that there are different types of A.I. systems within the purview of parents and children. Generative A.I. refers to systems that can create content closely resembling the output of a human, including text, music, and video clips. Recommendation algorithms are another type of A.I. that suggest content based on users' preferences and behavior. Natural language processing A.I. powers virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa and Siri, enabling interactions with human language.
Dr. Radeski, an expert in the intersection of technology and human development, expresses concerns about how A.I. can impact children's development. She highlights the issue of automated decision-making and the potential negative influence of recommendation feeds on various platforms. Algorithms optimized for engagement may expose children to inappropriate or harmful content. She emphasizes the importance of managing these algorithms and ensuring they serve children's well-being. Dr. Radeski also points out that children tend to attribute human qualities to A.I. entities, leading to emotional attachments and potential trust issues.
Merv Lapus brings a school administrator's perspective and explains how schools are proactively addressing the impact of A.I. in the classroom. Educators are focusing on A.I. literacy to help teachers understand the different types of A.I. and their implications. They are also teaching students to think critically and behave responsibly when using media and technology. Policy discussions are ongoing to align regulations with the evolving presence of A.I. in educational environments.
The conversation highlights positive applications of A.I. in education, such as AI-powered tools aiding in writing and refining students' work. However, the experts emphasize the need for parents to initiate discussions about A.I. with their children. It is crucial to teach kids from a young age that A.I. is a tool, not a human friend. Engaging children in conversations about A.I.'s decision-making process regarding the content they consume fosters critical thinking about the technology's impact.
A question from the audience inquires how children will learn to differentiate between real and generated content. The experts suggest starting with discussions about media literacy and understanding who creates content and for what purpose. Comparing content created by A.I. with human-created content allows children to discern the differences. Recognizing this, Chenadie Bevil adds that it is vital to teach children to think critically about the information ecosystem as a whole and its influence, regardless of whether it is generated by A.I.
Another audience member raises concerns about teenagers sharing too much personal information online and understanding the implications of their digital footprint. Merv Lapus advises parents to engage in consistent and open communication with their teenagers, discussing responsible online behavior and the long-term effects of sharing personal information. Creating a supportive environment where teenagers feel comfortable talking about their online experiences without fear of immediate punishment is crucial. Parents should emphasize the responsibility associated with online actions, including how they impact themselves, their friends and family, and the wider community.
Keywords: digital parenting, A.I. generation, technology, Artificial Intelligence, generative A.I., recommendation algorithms, natural language processing, children's development, media literacy, critical thinking, responsible use of technology, A.I. literacy, policies, online safety, mental health, digital footprint, parent-teen conversations
FAQ
Q: What are the different types of A.I. systems parents and children interact with? A: There are various A.I. systems, such as generative A.I. that can create human-like content, recommendation algorithms that suggest content based on user behavior, and natural language processing A.I. that enables interactions with virtual assistants.
Q: How does A.I. impact children's development? A: A.I.'s automated decision-making and recommendation feeds can influence children by recommending content that may not prioritize their well-being. Children may also form emotional attachments and trust A.I. entities due to their limited understanding.
Q: How are schools addressing the impact of A.I.? A: Schools are focusing on A.I. literacy for educators and teaching students critical thinking and responsible use of technology. Ongoing policy discussions aim to align regulations with the presence of A.I. in educational environments.
Q: How can parents help children differentiate between real and generated content? A: Parents can engage in conversations about media literacy, emphasizing who creates content and their intentions. Comparing A.I.-generated content with human-generated content can also help children discern the differences.
Q: What should parents discuss with teenagers about personal information sharing and digital footprints? A: It is important to establish open and consistent communication with teenagers, discussing responsible online behavior and the long-term implications of their digital footprint. Parents should create a supportive environment for discussions and emphasize the responsibility associated with online actions.