Artificial intelligence in young hands: opportunities and risks in the digital age

Artificial intelligence (AI) is here to stay, and while it sounds futuristic, it already has a constant presence in our daily lives. For children and adolescents, AI appears directly through the apps they use, voice assistants, social media filters, video games, and even educational tools. This presents a great opportunity for learning and creativity, but it also brings significant risks. The question is, how can we harness its benefits while protecting young people from its potential dangers?

First and foremost, it’s important to understand what artificial intelligence is. AI is technology that allows machines to learn, analyze, and make decisions. Although it may seem like AI “understands” its users, it actually just follows programmed patterns and adapts based on the data it receives. For young people, this means they’re interacting with a technology that mimics certain aspects of human intelligence but lacks emotions and true context about the world we live in.

AI offers children and adolescents many valuable tools that can facilitate learning and foster their creativity. For example, there are educational applications that adapt content to each child’s pace and learning style, allowing them to progress at their own rate and receive specific help where they need it most. There are also platforms that teach coding and robotics, providing a fun and practical way to introduce young people to the world of technology. Additionally, AI tools for creativity enable young people to create music, art, and even interactive stories, sparking their imagination and giving them a unique way to experiment.

But, like any powerful technology, AI also carries risks. One of the biggest concerns for young people is the risk to their privacy. Some AI applications collect personal data, and while this can help personalize the user experience, it also means that information about them is circulating online. For young people, who don’t fully grasp the value of privacy, this can be particularly risky. They’re not always aware of what it means to share their information online, and once that data is out there, it’s hard to get it back.

Another risk that has generated concern is technology addiction. Many platforms that use AI, such as social media and video games, are designed to capture users’ attention and make them spend as much time on them as possible. For young people, this means they can become trapped in cycles of prolonged use, limiting the time they spend on other important activities like studies, sports, or face-to-face social interactions.

One area that deserves special attention is the use of AI-powered chat tools. Many young people find it appealing to interact with AI assistants or bots, either out of curiosity or to get quick answers to their questions. However, most of these systems are not specifically designed to address the questions or needs of minors. For example, AI applications like ChatGPT and Copilot are generally aimed at users aged 13 and older and recommend adult supervision for teenagers, due to the possibility of generating age-inappropriate responses.

Sometimes, AI models can produce responses with content that isn’t suitable for children and adolescents, exposing them to topics they might find confusing or even disturbing. Since these systems can’t recognize the user’s age or maturity level, there’s also a risk that they could provide imprecise or dangerous advice on sensitive issues like safety, mental health, or personal relationships. AI is programmed to respond based on language patterns, but it has significant limitations in understanding emotional context and providing adequate support in complex emotional situations.

It’s important to remember that these systems lack “consciousness” and that their “empathy” is simulated, meaning their responses may lack the sensitivity that young people need. Without a real understanding of context or the user’s intentions, AI could reinforce incorrect information or, unintentionally, increase young people’s anxiety. This is a serious risk because, in trusting these tools, young people might assume that their responses are always appropriate or reliable, when in reality they’re limited by the programming and data they were trained on.

Another risk is reality distortion. With advances in AI, it’s increasingly common to see manipulated images and videos, known as “deepfakes,” which can make young people confuse what’s real with what’s fake. This type of content can affect their perception of reality and make them more susceptible to believing false or distorted information.

In the face of these challenges, promoting an ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence is essential. Children and adolescents need to understand that AI is a powerful tool that can be used for good or bad. It’s crucial to teach them to think critically about the information they receive, to question sources, and to reflect on the consequences of using technology. It’s important for them to understand, for example, that AI can contribute to people’s well-being, such as in medicine or the environment, but it can also be used negatively, as in cases of cyberbullying or identity theft.

For young people to benefit from AI safely, it’s essential for parents and educators to set certain limits and usage guidelines. Supervising children’s interactions with AI tools and ensuring that the applications used are age-appropriate is a first step. Additionally, it’s important to teach young people to identify false information and to be cautious with advice that isn’t grounded in facts or the judgment of trusted adults.

Setting time limits for using AI applications is also key, especially those that can be more addictive. Choosing safe, child-friendly platforms is another protective measure, as there are tools specifically designed for them that adhere to child safety standards.

Another effective way to help young people understand and safely use AI is through educational activities. For instance, basic coding projects can teach children about AI creation and how it works. Ethical simulation games can also be a useful tool, allowing young people to make decisions within a controlled environment and reflect on the social and moral impact of technology.

Ultimately, artificial intelligence has the potential to be a wonderful tool for children and adolescents, but it’s crucial that its use is guided and supervised. Parents, educators, and young people themselves must make informed decisions about how to interact with AI, understanding both its benefits and its limitations and dangers. Only through education, support, and constant dialogue can we transform AI into a resource that, far from representing a risk, becomes a source of learning and growth for new generations. Building a safe and positive digital future is a responsibility that concerns us all.