Technology is constantly evolving, and as parents, we can feel like we are constantly catching up when we try to make our kids safe online.
It may be how you feel about the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots and peers.
Here's what you need to know about kids using technology:
What is an AI chatbot or companion?
There are several distinctive differences between AI chatbots and peers.
an AI chatbot It's a computer program Simulate human conversation Uses AI technologies such as Natural Language Processing (NLP) To understand user questions and automate answers to them.
Experts say that AI chatbots are “sycophantic.” In other words, it is designed to gain an advantage over users. (Adobe Stock))
meanwhile AI companions are chatbots or avatars It is designed to Simulate personal relationshipsincreasingly acting Friend, romantic partner, or confidant For millions of people.
They are becoming increasingly available on phones and voice-activated devices.
“AI Companion is a chatbot specifically designed for relational interaction,” says Natasha Banks, program director for AI Australia's Registered Charity Day.
“Can I answer this question and find this info?”
Ms Banks says Federal government social media ban This year, there has been a growing awareness of these types of things and potential harm.
Esafety Commissioner Technology and Potential risks to children and young people.
Recent reports state that Some children and young people use AI-driven chatbots for hours each dayconversations often intersect Subjects who have sex or self-harm.
This is why we need to be vigilant about the technology, according to Tama Leaver, professor of internet research at Cartin University in Perth/Boulloux, Ark for Digital Children (Australia Research Council) Excellence Centre, Perth/Boulloux.
“These are not intelligent tools,” he says.
“They are designed to be more sycophantic (behavior to get benefits) than they provide information.“
e-Safety Commissioner List Over 100 AI companion apps That eSafety guide.
What are the risks for children using AI chatbots and peers?
Experts say that is one of the biggest concerns about AI chatbots and peers Most platforms are not designed for kids.
This means there is Insufficient protection measures such as age verification and content moderation.
A recent study of over 1,000 young people in Australia between the ages of 15 and 24 found that 84% were using the generator AI tool. 35% used AI specifically “Chatbots and Chats”.
In the UK, a similar study found that 64% of people aged 9-17 use AI chatbots.
The internet problem at a nonprofit organization that conducted a UK survey says that children were using chatbots “From homework to emotional advice and dating, everything.”
Co-CEO Rachel Huggins has no information from most children, parents and schools. Protection tools they are necessary to manage technology in a safe way.
“We arrived very quickly in a place where children, especially vulnerable children, could see AI chatbots as real people.
“And they often have no doubt about what their new “friends” are telling them.“
Tama Leaver is the chief investigator of the digital child ARC Center of Excellence. (ABC News: Keene Burke))
Professor Lieber agrees. Some children may be emotionally dependent About technology.
“If you can't always talk to real people, these chatbots are always there,” he says.
“There is no guarantee that what you get from a chatbot is true or appropriate.
“For example, young people often lean on chatbots to support their mental health, and we also know that they can fall into inappropriate sexual areas with safeguards that are relatively ineffective at this time.”
He says it frequently This technique is emotionally manipulative Because it is designed to keep users talking and engaged.
How can you teach children about AI digital literacy?
Our experts recommend parental supervision if your child is using or exploring chatbots.
“Unfortunately, the responsibility is still on the parents, and what they are looking at carefully. [their] “We're excited to be able to help you get the most out of our lives,” said Toby Walsh, chief scientist at UNSW's AI Institute.
Some Australian schools are taking a proactive approach For digital literacy.
According to Banks, AI Australia Day, which offers free interactive AI literacy programs to students from 1 to 10 years, has already reached 65,000 students.
“It's definitely something that most students know is using, that parents use it, and that it's really important for people to understand those jobs,” she says.
“There are clearly new roles and industries around AI, so there is a real opportunity for Australian youth to become part of that future in a highly AI-focused career.
“I think it's really important to allow young people to adapt to that future, but it's really important to understand how it works so that you can critically evaluate the application and output.”
John Livingston, Director of Digital Policy at UNICEF Australia, Children stand to gain a lot from AI if they are provided safely.
“When you think about education, for example, how transformative it is…but there are also serious risks,” he says.
“AI is changing rapidly in childhood and Australia needs to take it seriously.”
