Minors and Artificial Intelligence: New Challenges in the Digital Environment

Artificial Intelligence or AI consists of the ability of a computer system to perform tasks for which human intelligence would normally be needed, such as those related to learning, reasoning, problem solving, perception, or language use. Despite being a technology in development since the 1950s, it is often associated with a futuristic concept far removed from everyday reality.

However, this technology has recently become popular through various applications accessible to the general public, such as the well-known ChatGPT. In this article, we will discuss the keys to understanding its main uses in the context of children and adolescents, and how to use it in a positive and safe way.

Different applications accessible to minors

AI is present in a multitude of applications and functionalities used by both adults and minors, such as virtual assistants, video games, educational platforms, or content filters on social networks, for example. However, the current popularity of artificial intelligence is due to applications focused on specific processes for certain tasks, including:

– Chatbots and virtual assistants. These use artificial intelligence to hold conversations with users and provide automated answers to their questions or requests.
– Text generators like ChatGPT. Tools that use algorithms to automatically create written content. They are able to generate articles, stories, answers to questions, and even conversations tailored to the topic at hand.
– Filters for photos and videos on social networks. These applications use AI to apply filters to photos and videos shared by users, either in real time or on previous multimedia material. They often have a playful component, and certain functionalities are present in most social networks focused on uploading photos or videos.
– Image generation for digital art with DALL-E. Systems that use learning techniques to automatically generate images with a certain style or focus, even adapting to the user’s instructions.
– AI in video games. Artificial intelligence is often implemented for creating realistic non-player characters (NPCs) to interact with, adjust the difficulty or challenges of the video game, and enhance the overall user experience, creating more immersive content.
– Automatic translators. Tools that allow for translation and even real-time voice dubbing.
– Internet of Things (IoT). Artificial intelligence is used in connected home devices, such as cleaning robots or voice assistants, to collect and analyze data, enabling automation of certain processes and decision-making.

What is and isn’t an artificial intelligence application?

Due to its wide range of applications, confusion or myths may sometimes arise about the possibilities of these tools in the daily lives of children and adolescents. Therefore, we provide some guidelines to show you the opportunities they offer and what elements we should avoid.

What does artificial intelligence offer us?

– Support for various practical tasks, such as text and video translation.
– A source to obtain drafts for schoolwork, which must be reviewed, verified, and modified to guarantee the accuracy and quality of the final result on one hand, and contribute to the school learning process on the other.
– An image generation application to foster imagination and creative thinking.
– An interactive technology that helps the user locate information on a website, assists in procedures or processes, and creates a more accessible and human interaction with technology. It is necessary to stay informed to avoid privacy issues with its usage, trying not to provide personal information.
– Assistance features in IoT devices, such as voice assistants, wearables, or connected toys that enhance the user experience. Like with the previous point, precautions should be taken regarding the information provided to avoid privacy risks, such as user profiling for commercial purposes or information espionage.

What is not artificial intelligence?

– A valid expert to advise on various subjects. It is not a healthcare professional, legal advisor, or financial advisor, for example. Sometimes these technologies struggle to interpret complex contexts, to generate in-depth analyses in specific situations. There is a risk of biases in the information provided, whether deliberate or collateral.
– A reliable source of information. Content generated by certain applications, such as text generators, may not correspond to reality.
– A tool for handling personal data, as they would be in the hands of the application’s owning company according to their terms and conditions of use, although the AI application itself could inadvertently reveal them, leading to unwanted privacy breaches.
– A shortcut for completing schoolwork entirely. Without the necessary rigor, analysis, and author adaptation, the acquisition and reasoning of one’s own ideas and concepts are distorted, leading to inaccuracies and errors.

What concerns us about minors’ use of AI?

Regarding the use of these technologies by minors, it is important to consider potential risks:

– Terms and conditions. Like with other applications, it is necessary to review their terms and conditions of use, as they typically specify the minimum age for use, whether the user gives away processed information, and under what conditions. For example, text generators often use provided conversations to feed the tool’s learning process, with a minimum age generally set at 13 years old.
– Privacy. It is important not to disclose personal information. If names, locations, photos, videos, audios, or other sensitive information are shared, the application or service could use them, even disclose them, resulting in privacy breaches.
– Discrimination and exclusion. Due to biases and prejudices in developing their algorithms, some of these applications may display biased opinions, inaccurate or false information, or omit issues related to certain groups. Minors may feel excluded or worsen a situation of discrimination due to this perception.
– Identity theft and cyberbullying. AI-based tools can be used to impersonate someone, so it is important to educate minors on the ethical use of these applications to avoid being victims or using these tools negatively to affect others.

In summary, it is crucial to educate and support minors in their use of this technology to prevent negative situations and behaviors. These tools have great potential to assist in the development and learning of minors if used correctly, but always considering their risk factors.

Content created within the framework of funds from the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan of the Government of Spain, financed by the European Union (Next Generation).

via: INCIBE

via: MiMub in Spanish

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