What if the technology you use daily could think, learn, and adapt just like you? Artificial Intelligence or AI has seamlessly integrated into our daily lives, enhancing convenience and productivity. Though it has only recently become a popular tool, it has greatly impacted how we communicate, educate, and do certain tasks. From virtual assistants like Alexa and Siri to personalized recommendations on apps like Spotify and Netflix, AI is beginning to transform entertainment and education into something more personalized and compatible for the user.
Since its development at Dartmouth College in 1956, AI has sparked many different opinions and theories of how it will continue to advance(dartmouth.edu). Artificial intelligence is no longer just a concept in science fiction, it surrounds us and is at the tips of our fingers every day. A Pew Research Center survey reveals that 27% of Americans say they interact with AI at least several times a day, while another 28% think they interact with it about once a day or several times a week. Its influence is felt in everything from healthcare to pop culture and a growing number of schools, businesses, and medical professionals have slowly been accepting and adapting to generative AI.
AI has revolutionized how we communicate, complete things, or conduct research, chatbots and other consumer service tools provide instant support to help save time and reduce frustration. Virtual assistants also do this by using natural language processing to respond to voice commands, set reminders, and answer questions. In the entertainment industry AI algorithms analyze their users’ behavior to offer personalized recommendations based on their interests. We are even seeing this being used in content creation with tools capable of generating music, writing scripts, and designing art.
Despite its benefits, it also presents a large amount of challenges. Many are concerned with AI’s place in the job industry believing that it could increasingly take over tasks normally performed by workers. As AI becomes more advanced, losing control of the decision-making process has become a worry for many, especially within education. Joseph Golomowski, says, “My concern is that if people use AI as a substitute for their thinking, especially high school students, it could hurt their ability to build critical thinking skills.” This raises important questions about the balance between using these platforms as a tool and ensuring it doesn’t undermine essential skills that are crucial for personal growth.
Another important reason we need to balance these platforms’ use is because of the damage it has caused on social media. A study conducted by Case24 found that 71% of people use FaceTune before posting a picture of themselves on Instagram. Alex Allen, a student at Kettle Run High School says “I think we need to manage this because of the false narratives it creates about people’s appearances.” These edited photos have caused irreparable damage to many, especially teen’s perception of what beauty and a healthy body look like. This has led to things like an influx of eating disorders and scandals due to people lying about what they look naturally.
The role of artificial intelligence in schools has created countless opportunities but this has also become a way for students to get around doing work. Various systems have programs that provide tutoring and other educational help that people use to learn at their own pace. These programs can also increase the potential for an over-reliance on technology, which could limit creativity and human interaction during the learning process.
While AI brings many benefits to education and a student’s daily life, it also comes with significant challenges that must be carefully managed. Finding a balance between embracing the convenience that AI offers and making sure that it doesn’t get rid of important skills like critical thinking and creativity. As AI continues to evolve, educators, students, and society must work together to use its potential without letting it replace the qualities that make us human.
