Teaching Kids About AI: More Complex Than It Seems
The news about California’s proposed bill requiring AI companies to remind kids that chatbots aren’t people caught my attention during my morning scroll through tech news. While it might seem obvious to many of us working in tech, the reality of human-AI interaction is becoming increasingly complex.
Working in DevOps, I interact with AI tools daily. They’re incredibly useful for code reviews, documentation, and automating repetitive tasks. But there’s a clear line between using these tools and viewing them as sentient beings. At least, that line is clear to me - but apparently not to everyone.
The fascinating part about this discussion isn’t just about children. Reading through various online forums, it’s evident that adults struggle just as much with this distinction. Recently, my daughter showed me a social media post where several of her friends’ parents had shared and commented on what was clearly an AI-generated image, believing it to be real news about their favourite TV show.
This reminds me of the early days of the internet when we had to teach people not to believe everything they read online. Now we’re facing a similar challenge, but with technology that’s far more sophisticated and convincing. Walking through Melbourne Central last week, I overheard a group of teenagers discussing their “friendship” with an AI chatbot, and it made me realize how blurry these lines have become.
The real issue goes beyond just distinguishing between human and AI interactions. It’s about understanding the capabilities and limitations of AI systems. These tools can format your resume, help with homework, or generate beautiful artwork - but they can also “hallucinate” facts and present fiction as truth. They’re incredibly powerful tools, but that’s exactly what they are: tools.
Some argue that we should teach about AI alongside fictional characters in literature, but this oversimplifies the matter. Unlike fictional characters, AI systems actively respond and adapt to our inputs, making the interaction feel more “real.” They can also affect our lives in tangible ways - from job automation to digital content creation.
The proposed California bill is a step in the right direction, but we need a more comprehensive approach to digital literacy. It’s not just about slapping warning labels on AI interactions - we need to foster a deeper understanding of how these technologies work and their role in our society.
The Federal Government recently announced its AI safety framework, but we need more practical, ground-level initiatives. Our schools should be teaching digital literacy that includes understanding AI, just as we teach kids about online safety and critical thinking.
Looking ahead, we need to find a balance between embracing AI’s benefits while maintaining healthy boundaries. Whether you’re 7 or 70, understanding that AI isn’t human - despite how convincing it might seem - is crucial for our digital future.