“We call today’s children ‘Generation AI’ because they are surrounded by AI wherever they go. We make decisions that determine things like social support that families receive,” said Seth. Bergeson, a World Economic Forum Fellow who led the “AI for Children” project, told CNBC Make It.
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Artificial intelligence is all the rage in the tech world, especially after the launch of ChatGPT and GPT-4.
It shows the potential to not only transform the lives of workers, but also the daily lives of another demographic: children. In fact, children are already using AI-powered toys and platforms that write bedtime stories with the click of a button.
“We call today’s children ‘Generation AI’ because they are surrounded by AI wherever they go. We make decisions that determine things like social support that families receive,” said Seth. Bergeson, a World Economic Forum Fellow who led the “AI for Children” project, told CNBC Make It.
McKinsey partners Saurabh Sanghvi and Jake Bryant say AI’s impact will grow from here.
“These technologies are not going away and will continue to advance, impacting our jobs and our daily interactions,” they said.
That means AI could play an even bigger role in the working lives of future generations. Skills in the field can become job requirements, and technological change can determine career paths.
But there are concerns that AI is a double-edged sword, especially when it comes to children.
Risks range from privacy and safety issues to psychological and behavioral impacts, according to UNICEF and World Economic Forum reports.
For example, they come from social media. AI-based algorithms learn what content kids (or anyone for that matter) search for and engage with to fill their feeds. Social media platforms have taken steps to mitigate this problem, but have not been able to eradicate it.
Also, children may be less careful about sharing their personal information online, making them vulnerable to data breaches like the one that hit ChatGPT recently.
According to a UNICEF report, AI can also exacerbate inequities and sustain prejudices. “For example, a school that employs machine learning and AI techniques to screen student applications may unintentionally but systematically exclude certain types of applicants.”
Bergeson gives a similar example. “In the UK, we found that a new AI algorithm had misgraded a student’s A-level exams, dashing many hopes of getting into a top university,” he said.
Another risk relates to autonomy and decision-making. AI is so intertwined with our lives that we sometimes cannot help relying on or trusting it, experts say.
Education is key to addressing and mitigating these risks, experts say.
“Kids need to understand how these technologies work, potential limitations, enhancements, and how to use these tools effectively,” Sanghvi and Bryant said. says Mr.
When trying to teach kids about AI, it’s a good idea to start small, said Amy Roundtree, a professor at the University of Texas. “AI for Children Toolkit. ”
“Let’s start by teaching the basics of how artificial intelligence works,” she said. “Teach children about artificial intelligence in plain language and at a level of understanding.”
Sanghvi and Bryant agree, noting that there are many steps to be taken in learning about AI through mathematics and others.
Hands-on learning through software that allows users to explore algorithms and other AI techniques in a visual way could help with that, Roundtree added.
But it’s not just about understanding AI, experts say. Learning how to engage with it is equally important, they said. includes addressing the risks of
“Understanding artificial intelligence will become increasingly important in forming responsible and educated citizens who have the authority to make decisions and defend themselves in an increasingly automated world.” Roundtree added.
Finally, teaching children about responsible AI and using it in a safe and ethical manner is also essential, experts say.
“Children and young people need to understand that AI has limitations and can be wrong,” said Bergeson. “AI has very serious limitations and the results can be biased and prejudiced. Young people are encouraged to think critically and decide how and to what extent they want to use AI models. should be taught.”
