America’s teenagers have grown up with artificial intelligence (AI) at their fingertips, but what do they really think about it? NPR recently spoke to seven teens from across the country to get their take. The results are both fascinating and nuanced.
A New Kind of Friend?
For **15-year-old Charles Ansevin** in Gates Mills, Ohio, AI has become a trusted companion. He loves chatting with ChatGPT, a popular AI chatbot. “We’ve been able to have very meaningful, you know, intelligent discussions,” he said.
But not all teens share Charles’ enthusiasm. **Dorian Prado**, a 16-year-old from Forth Worth, Texas, has concerns about AI’s impact on human relationships. “I think it’s scary because people are starting to rely on AI more and more, and it’s making it harder for people to connect with each other,” he said.
AI’s Role in Education
Some teens see AI as a valuable tool for learning. **Maya Singh**, a 14-year-old from Los Angeles, uses AI-powered tools to help with her math homework. “It’s really helpful because it can explain things in a way that teachers can’t always explain,” she said.
However, not all teens are convinced that AI is a net positive. **Ethan Liu**, a 17-year-old from New York City, worries that AI-powered tools will replace human teachers. “I think it’s going to make it harder for people to get jobs because AI is going to be doing their work for them,” he said.
The Verdict: AI is Here to Stay
So what does this mean for the future of AI and young people? One thing is clear: these teens will be the ones shaping the direction of AI development. They see both the potential benefits and drawbacks of AI, and they’re not afraid to speak out about their concerns.
Ultimately, the teens in NPR’s study are a reflection of the complex, often conflicting attitudes towards AI that exist among young people today. As AI continues to play a larger role in their lives, it’s likely that these attitudes will evolve and shift. One thing is certain, though: the future of AI will be shaped by the likes of Charles, Dorian, Maya, and Ethan.
