Using AI in School Could Have Dire Consequences
What? In 2023, 61% of college students reported using generative AI for coursework, with 79% using it a few times per month or more, reports Forbes. And last year, 59% of middle- and high school teachers said they were “sure” students had used AI to help with schoolwork, according to The Wall Street Journal
So What? OpenAI has developed a new tool that is 99.9% effective in detecting text created by ChatGPT. It hasn’t been implemented yet, but as other companies address cheating concerns, it could become more commonplace.
Now What? Many schools have warned that use of AI to complete assignments will result in failure, possibly even expulsion. Talk to your kids about their own use of AI. Using tools such as ChatGPT may be helpful in understanding complex ideas or concepts. And such programs could be an effective learning aid, not unlike using a dictionary or thesaurus. But when your teens use AI to write portions of their essay (or perhaps the whole thing), it’s cheating. And that can lead to significant consequences.
Teens Misusing the UV Index for Tanning
What? The UV index is used to measure “how intense ultraviolet radiation is at a given location,” says The Washington Post. However, teens on TikTok are misusing it to determine peak tanning times.
So What? These social media videos are highly concerning since they encourage kids to go tanning when the UV index is at a 6 or above. But doctors and experts warn that at those levels, folks should be avoiding the sun, not increasing their exposure.
Now What? Talk to your teens about the dangers of sun exposure. Experts agree that “no amount of tanning is safe. And sunburns are never OK.” At a UV index over 2, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends wearing a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. “Above 7, the EPA advocates sun-protective clothing and seeking shade.”
Social Media Bans Could Isolate Some Teens
What? At least 30 states have pending legislation related to social media bans. But researchers, pediatricians and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine worry these bans could unintentionally isolate some teens, too, especially those in minority groups.
So What? When we use social media for the purpose it was created—i.e., connecting with others and forming communities—it can actually be beneficial to our mental health. And teens heading off to college or moving to new schools have found it helpful in finding classmates with shared cultures or interests.
Now What? It’s unclear whether these new bans will help teens or not. But that’s why it’s more important than ever to have conversations about how we use social media. If your teen is using the different platforms to connect with friends and build a community, that’s potentially a good thing. But if they’re stuck in the never-ending scroll, comparing themselves to others, fearing that that they’re missing out or being distracted at school, it could also be time to implement firm screentime limits.
3 Responses
The 61% of college students who sincerely believe they need generative AI to complete their coursework shouldn’t even be in college at all. College is not for everyone. If they want to continue their education after 12th grade, they should continue it by learning to do things that ChatGPT can’t do, and learning skills that will earn them more respect than writing a million-word essay. Skills like cooking, skills like using power tools, skills like cutting down trees, skills like growing crops, skills like caring for and/or training animals, skills like repairing cars or other machinery, skills like saving a person from drowning or from an avalanche or another life-threatening situation.
People say “Words have power”, but that’s not always true. Sometimes your words have power, and sometimes they don’t. Your words have no power if your audience believes you don’t really know what you’re talking about, or if they question your motives because they think you’re lying to them, or if they really don’t care what you think for one or more other reasons. Actions, on the other hand, can shatter barriers words can’t even scratch.
Words do have power, but you are right that about actions.
The thing is that if college students are using AI to write, they are not developing the analytical and creative aspects that college essays are supposed to generate in students, so they do lose the academic and mental benefits. Also it is a problem that people do not trust their own essay writing skills.
The nursing profession has a skills degree LPN, an associate’s degree RN, and a bachelor’s degree RN. The main difference is the time spent on subjects in class and the level of analysis and critical thinking/clinical research skills/management that is taught, although talent, grit, physical dexterity/strength, extroverted skills, and knowledge also effect the performance in the general hospital RN role.
Many ‘seasoned adults’ are not familiar with AI as we need to be; however esp evangelical Christians must take a stand or kneel if you physically can & show how great our/THE GOD ALMIGHTY is & share HIS true LOVE* Acts 1:8, Matt.28:18-20🙌🏻