Question: AI has the ability to do students’ homework, including writing prose and poetry, and summarizing history in a matter of seconds. How do parents control this “short cut” usage of this study tool?

Answer: The challenge with AI … we don’t get to use our natural brain to research and to learn academically. And little by little, I believe that can affect how we deal with life and its challenges. We don’t exercise our own brain power and knowledge. We don’t learn from making our own choices and mistakes. Bottom line, if we don’t exercise our  brain and use it, but instead rely on AI to think and gather information for us, we will lose our power of choice, our power and our own intelligence, our brain power, our individuality, our sense of Self and self-worth.

We now can see the dangers of being on social media too much. It is addicting.  and it is not private. “They” are listening to us … through our watches, our phones, our TV, through Alexis or whatever name they give it. Oops, I think I’m headed down the rabbit hole of fear! Fear of lack of privacy, fear of losing individuality, fear of losing sense of Self and all that encompasses.

So, how to control AI and your children’s use of it. First of all, we are not going to get away from it. AI – and even more – is here to stay. But so is the outdoors, the trees, the grass (well, maybe). If your children are young, spend time with them doing natural things, doing activities with others, taking field trips, reading books, using their own writing skills and research skills. Teach them the joys of finding out things for themselves. Praise them for figuring things out by themselves, using their own thinking brain skills.

If they are teenagers, there already is technology exposure in school and through social media, but creating a balance between AI and between using their own brain would help them understand the value of both techniques. It will help develop their own sense of Self and self worth and pride. Let the use of their own brain power be the first choice only … and then give them a tad bit of taste in using AI.  Ask your kids what makes them feel more proud … that they did it by themselves – or by just pushing a button for the AI answer. 

God gave us a brain and the opportunity to develop thinking skills and intelligence to maneuver through life. Let’s not let that get lost by letting AI be our brain. Besides, sometimes learning from making mistakes can be a blessing.

Good luck. Blessings from an old-timer.

Laney Clevenger, RScP Emeritus
Center for Spiritual Living – La Crescenta