Growing up in an AI world
ChatGPT is everywhere. How can parents use it and other AI tools to future-proof their kids?
The Art and Science of Parenting #59
By: Catherine Lynch and Glenn Collins
Dear Awesome Parent,
Have you tried ChatGTP or one of the other AI tools that have come out recently? Have your kids tried it?
We have. And they’re pretty amazing. Perhaps you noticed (or perhaps you didn’t!) two of the images in last week newsletter were AI generated. And all of this week’s. We’ve also used ChatGPT to conduct background research for our articles.
Regardless of how much fun you’re having playing with ChatGPT, you’ve probably also noticed that parents and teachers everywhere are worried about ChatGPT.
What if kids use it to do their homework, write their essays, and cheat on their take home exams and projects??!!??
These are legit questions and we don’t have all the answers. However, we do have a (radical) proposal:
Let’s embrace ChatGPT (and other AI) to support our children’s natural love of learning and help prepare them for a future in which AI will play a big role.
Children naturally embrace new technology. We’re the ones who worry about all the terrible things that may happen to them if they use it.
Speaking of worrying, here’s a few historical examples of people freaking out over new technology, and how their fear was unwarranted:
Writing.
The ancient Greeks resisted writing because 1) they saw it as a threat to their traditional way of learning and remembering and 2) they were afraid it could be used to spread falsehoods and manipulate people. Yes, really. Even the great philosopher Socrates himself argued that writing was inferior to in-person conversation.
The printing press.
In 15th century Germany there was widespread opposition to Johannes Guttenberg’s new printing press. The Catholic church and the wealthy feared this new technology would be used to spread heretical ideas and undermine established authority.
We could go on and on. Steam engines, mechanical looms, the internal combustion engine, radio, television, the internet, smart phones, social media. All have been railed against as bad for society. And yet here we are, still moving forward. AI is just the latest invention that will change the way we live. That will change the future our kids inhabit.
Of course there are dangers associated with AI’s misuse, as there are with all new technologies; but there are also tremendous opportunities. Many people in the tech world believe we are at the very beginning of a new era of progress brought on by the synergy of human and AI. In a recent interview on 60 Minutes, Sundar Pachai, the CEO of Google, said AI is “the most profound technology that humanity is working on. More profound than fire, or electricity, or anything we’ve done in the past.”
So, how exactly do you embrace AI, especially if that’s not your first inclination?
Mindset. Think of it as a friend. A very smart friend. If that’s too much, call it your virtual assistant. The one you don’t even have to pay. The one who helps you learn the thing you want to learn. The one who does the grunt work of finding the info you need, without complaining, making excuses or asking for a raise.
Role model asking about things you want to learn. Ask your new friend/virtual assistant. “What’s the best way to make a Roblox theme birthday party? How do I get along with my adult children or in-laws? How do I fix the flapper valve on my toilet? What’s the best way to cook a medium-rare 7oz ribeye steak on a gas stove?”
Ask questions that your kid would be interested in. Do they love soccer? Ask what’s their favorite player’s best trick and the steps to learn it. Not satisfied with the answer? Add more details, like “answer in the style of….”
Invite them to ask their own questions, and when they ask you things, use your cheerful voice and say something like “Lets ask ChatGPT!”
Discuss the answer. And insert it into conversation again tomorrow so it becomes a normal part of the culture in your home.
Talk with your kids about how AI is impacting the world. Have open and ongoing conversations about AI. Get their opinions and listen to what they have to say. Talk about the pros and the cons Depending on their age, they probably know more about AI than you do. 😂
Beyond embracing AI and helping your kids learn to work with it, what else can you do to prepare your kids for a future that will increasingly be built on AI?
The answer, as always, is to foster their personal growth and acquisition of skills that will be useful regardless of what the future holds. No matter how much AI changes things. Critical thinking. Creativity. Problem solving. Flexibility. Leadership. The ability to acquire knowledge and learn new skills. The ability to express themselves and communicate effectively. Being able to work with and collaborate with other people. All of these skills will be useful no matter how the world changes and what the future brings.
Note: After we wrote this article we asked ChatGPT to write a newsletter article about parenting and AI. We were pleased to note that our answers (in the paragraph above) were remarkably similar to what ChatGPT came up with. Though we think we were a bit more complete. We also hope you like our writing style better than Chat’s. 😂
Here’s the prompt we gave it:
Write a newsletter article on how to best prepare children for a future with AI.
And here was ChatGPT’s response:
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to play an increasingly important role in our lives, it is essential that we prepare our children for a future that will be significantly influenced by this technology. From virtual assistants to self-driving cars, AI is changing the way we live and work, and our children will need to have the skills and knowledge to navigate this new landscape.
Here are some tips on how you can best prepare your children for a future with AI:
Emphasize critical thinking and problem-solving skills. AI is designed to solve problems and make decisions based on data, but it cannot replace the creativity, ingenuity, and critical thinking skills of humans. Encourage your children to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and find creative solutions to problems. Emphasize the importance of analyzing information and making informed decisions.
Foster a love of learning. AI is constantly evolving, and it is essential that children develop a love of learning so that they can keep up with the latest developments. Encourage your children to explore new topics and pursue their interests. Provide them with access to educational resources, such as online courses, books, and podcasts, that will help them develop the skills they need to succeed in a world of AI.
Encourage coding and programming skills. AI is built on code, and having a basic understanding of programming languages can be invaluable in the future. Encourage your children to learn how to code and to experiment with programming languages. Many online resources are available that can help children learn to code in a fun and interactive way.
Teach them the ethics of AI. As with any technology, AI has the potential to be misused or to reinforce biases and inequalities. It is important to teach children about the ethical implications of AI, such as issues of privacy, transparency, and fairness. Encourage them to consider the potential consequences of AI and to think about how it can be used for the greater good.
Encourage collaboration and teamwork. AI is not a replacement for human connection and collaboration. Encourage your children to work with others and to develop strong communication and collaboration skills. Emphasize the importance of empathy, emotional intelligence, and the ability to work well with others.
By following these tips, you can help prepare your children for a future with AI. Remember, the most important thing is to encourage curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning. With the right skills and knowledge, our children can thrive in a world of AI and use this technology to create a better future for themselves and for all of us.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
What do you think? Did AI do a decent job of giving you tips on how to prepare your kid for the future with AI?
Finally, to help you get started on your AI journey, here are a couple of YouTube videos that sift through what’s now available.
An AI Generated Butterfly
Usually at the bottom of our newsletter we include a photo we’ve taken. This week in keeping with our AI theme we’ve included an AI generated image instead.
Hey Catherine and Glenn, this is a beautifully written piece! We have to be very open to the challenges which AI revolution has set as well as embrace it to ensure a brighter future for children.