As a parent who happens to have some professional experience in artificial intelligence*, I can’t help but chuckle at the pearl clutching over the recent explosion of AI-based tools like ChatGPT GPT-4, Bing, Bard, and Meta. But amidst the laughter, experts like Michael Wooldridge, Gary Marcus, and Ernest Davis have raised some critical concerns that we, as parents, should be aware of when it comes to artificial intelligence.
So, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s explore the whimsical world of AI’s impact on our little darlings’ lives.
The (Not So) Secret Life of AI and Data
Imagine if your child’s diary was read by a stranger. Sounds unsettling, right? Well, AI tools like Bing and Meta have a knack for collecting personal data like a nosy neighbor, potentially invading our privacy. As parents, let’s keep an eye on those privacy settings and app permissions, because even AI needs a little supervision!
AI, the Job Snatcher
We’ve all heard the stories of robots taking over jobs (and worse, if you’ve seen the Terminator movies), but how concerned should we be about our kids’ future employment? While AI can undoubtedly help us become more efficient, we need to prepare our little ones for an AI-compatible world. Let’s encourage our kids to embrace lifelong learning, so they’ll be ready for whatever the future (or AI) throws their way!
The photos below are Amazon links to recommended books by authors I mentioned at the start of this post. Both were written before the current hype-cycle we're under, but provide fantastic foundational knowledge about AI. Amazon may pay me a few cents if you buy something. Thanks! :)
From deepfakes to fake news, AI-generated content is like that one kid who always stretches the truth. ChatGPT GPT-4 and similar tools make it increasingly difficult to separate fact from fiction. Fellow parents, let’s teach our kids to be information detectives, verifying sources and thinking critically about the stories they encounter online. After all, they say the truth will set you free!
AI’s Game of “Telephone”: How Bias Sneaks In
AI systems like ChatGPT GPT-4 and Bard may seem like they’re from a futuristic utopia, but they sometimes come with a few old-school prejudices. These tools can inherit biases from the data they learn from, making them prone to mimic our society’s not-so-proud moments. Remember, AI is like a mischievous child – it needs guidance and a watchful eye to ensure it plays fair with everyone.
We’ve seen AI do some impressive things, like composing music or even writing blog posts (wink, wink), but let’s remember that it’s not perfect. Just like that one kid who always tries to steal the show at school talent night, AI sometimes misses the mark. AI is a tool, not a flawless oracle. We should always use our own judgment and intuition to make the best decisions for our families.
The AI Schoolyard Bully
AI’s playground is ruled by a few big kids, like Google, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft. This concentration of power raises concerns about competition and innovation. Let’s encourage policies that promote sharing and collaboration, because when it comes to AI, the more, the merrier! Oh, and let me know how you found this post, as my opinions may impact my placement in the Google and Bing search engines. 😉
A Final Thought or two from Dad
Our daughter rolls her eyes when I go into what she calls “learning with dad” mode, but I do it anyway. AI tools like ChatGPT GPT-4, Bing, Bard, and Meta might seem like they’re from a sci-fi novel, but their impact on our kids’ lives is very real, and it’s not something we can ignore as parents. By staying informed and approaching these concerns with a touch of humor, though, we can help shape a better future for our kiddos.
If you haven’t played with these AI tools yet, you need to. You’re kids definitely are. Here are a few:
- ChatGPT: https://www.chatgpt.com/login
- Bing: https://www.bing.com/account/general
- Midjourney AI: https://www.midjourney.com/home/
- DreamStudio (Stable Diffusion): https://dreamstudio.ai/
- Craiyon (Formerly DALL-E mini): https://craiyon.com/
*Note: I’m representing myself as a fellow parent here, not the university at which I work.
