My sisters (11 and 13 years old) have both started using ChatGPT lately and I don't know really what to avoid when using AI. One of my sisters uses it for work things like writing essays sometimes (which I know she shouldn't do as it's plagiarism but doesn't seem dangerous) or asking for explanations for maths things. I've noticed sometimes it makes mistakes with maths, and I've had to tell her that it's wrong, and that she risks learning it wrongly. My other sister talks to ChatGPT as if it's a friend at school. She doesn't share a lot of personal information, and doesn't sign in with an account, but I've thought about it and even a lot of small things that she might unintentionally share could be unsafe as I'm not sure whether IP addresses and such are used and the information could be traced to her device and linked to her. Even my parents have tried AI but I don't think they like it. I have tried talking to ChatGPT and it is actually quite addictive because it's like having a super knowledgeable friend who can talk about all of your interests. What should I know about AI, and is what my sisters are doing dangerous?
Sam
Hi there,
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) like ChatGPT can be used for lots of different things, from homework to creativity. It can be a great tool to help us learn or have fun, but it’s important to think about how to use it safely.
AI doesn’t understand or think in the way we do, so it can’t tell whether what it creates is correct or true. When you use AI, it looks at lots of information to generate an answer or a new piece of content.
If someone is using AI for homework, there are a few things to thing about:
Using AI to write your homework can get you in trouble and some schools will check whether things have been generated by AI
AI can get things wrong, so always double check answers with a reliable source
Always avoid sharing personal or identifying information with AI programs
AI can be a great starting point for research or to help you understand things but remember that it’s just one of many tools to help you learn.
If you’re using AI to help give you someone to talk to or for fun, then that’s okay. Remember though that an AI can’t replace the people in your life. If someone is struggling with connecting to the people around them, then we’re here to help.
Take care,
Sam
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