They also expressed concerns about data privacy and the potential for personal information shared with AI to be misused.
However, rather than rejecting AI completely, both experts emphasized its responsible use.
Associate Professor Ahn suggested encouraging children to seek information from multiple sources, including textbooks, teachers, and peers.
Associate Professor Swapna urged parents to look out for signs of over-reliance in children, such as isolating themselves from real-world interactions and turning to devices instead.
“Rather than ignore these signs, have a conversation with your child. Social connections are very important,” she said.
“How to connect and talk to people is a skill that kids need to learn for later in life. If that gets derailed, that’s a concern.”
Back in the exam room, Associate Professor Swapna also uses AI discussions to educate patients.
“We are using this opportunity to educate people about AI, some of the dangers, what to look out for, and how to use AI more ethically,” she said.
“AI is based on the data that is available. So it (could) have a lot of Western tendencies. The data that is published is primarily Western, so it may not understand things like cultural nuances.”
Ultimately, experts agree that AI is here to stay, but its impact will depend on how it is used.
“Society has a role to play. It’s important that people understand the harm that AI can cause,” Associate Professor Ahn said, adding that relying too much on AI for help could make people more independent but also lonely.
“We are social creatures. It’s okay to depend on others and ask for help from time to time, rather than being completely self-sufficient. That’s when loneliness and isolation arise.”
