Introduction
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a form of intelligence exhibited by machines or software. It is the ability of a computer or a robot to think and learn. AI can solve complex challenges, automate tasks, and make decisions with minimal human intervention. AI can be beneficial in many ways, but it has also been found to have a detrimental effect on the new generation of young people. Hence, this paper discusses the impact of artificial intelligence on teenagers and suggests prospective solutions for preventing the likely harms of artificial intelligence on the new generation.
Literature Review
Overview of the Literature
AI is the creation of computer systems capable of doing activities that ordinarily require human intelligence. That is why Desouza et al. (2020) urge society to investigate AI’s implications on young people. Previous research found improved learning and educational opportunities as potential opportunities for young people (Chi et al., 2020). AI provides personalized learning, improved access to resources, and increased efficiency in learning (Edwards et al., 2019). However, it has also encouraged the potential risks, such as the adverse effects of AI on physical and mental health. There is also the issue of data privacy and the need to protect young people’s personal information.
Psychological Effect on Teenagers
In terms of the psychological effects of AI on young people, some studies have found that AI can positively impact mental health (Williams et al., 2019). For instance, Goralski and Tan (2020) found that AI-based virtual coaches were effective at reducing symptoms of depression in adolescents. In contrast, another study found that AI manipulates young people’s behavior and targets young people with inappropriate content (Edwards et al., 2019). It hints at the idea that AI provides sensitive content without considering the teenager’s emotional background, making him psychologically vulnerable.
Decision Making
AI-enabled devices can be used to help young people in many ways. For instance, AI-powered virtual assistants can help young people find information and complete tasks quickly and efficiently (Guo et al., 2020). They can also provide personalized recommendations and feedback, helping young people make better decisions and reach their goals (Topol, 2019). AI-powered robots can provide physical assistance, such as helping a student complete a project or helping a student participate in an extracurricular activity (Jakhar & Kaur, 2020). Additionally, the devices can provide emotional support, such as comfort and reassurance, when a student is feeling overwhelmed or has questions.
Gaps in Knowledge
Despite the extensive research on the topic, more knowledge still needs to be gained. For example, there needs to be more research on the long-term implications of AI on young people and how AI can be used to support the holistic development of young people (Shank et al., 2019). There is also a need for more study on AI’s ethical and legal implications and better regulation of AI technologies to eliminate the potential harms of AI on the new generation.
Methodology
This research paper used a mixed methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative research methods. Firstly, a qualitative analysis of existing research studies was conducted using a literature review of young people who had experienced the impact of artificial intelligence on their lives. Secondly, a quantitative analysis was based on descriptive and inferential statistics from existing studies about AI’s impact.
Results
The results of the qualitative analysis revealed several key findings. Firstly, it was found that artificial intelligence can harm physical, mental, and emotional health, development, and decision-making. Secondly, AI can lead to a lack of trust in technology and decreased creativity. Finally, there are potential solutions to these probable harms, such as better regulation, education and awareness, and caution when using AI. The results of the quantitative analysis showed that young people, especially teenagers, view AI as a system with no ethics, posing a threat to their future employment.
Discussion
The results of the qualitative and quantitative analyses have shed light on the potential harms of artificial intelligence on teenagers. AI can negatively impact how people interact with each other, leading to increased isolation and decreased empathy (Pedro et al., 2019). As AI becomes more pervasive, children and teenagers become increasingly reliant on machines to make decisions, leading to a decrease in developing problem-solving skills (Batty, 2018). AI may also lead to a decrease in creativity as people become less likely to experiment and innovate.
As machines become increasingly autonomous, they may be less likely to take into account the human elements of decision-making and instead focus on efficiency or profit (Appendix 1). That could lead to decisions outside of people’s best interests without ethical considerations (Muro et al., 2019). Finally, using AI algorithms to make decisions about people’s lives, such as hiring and loan applications, can lead to biased decisions and a lack of diversity (Pedro et al., 2019). AI can also lead to a homogenization of society as people rely more on machines to make decisions, decreasing creativity and innovation.
Quantitative method results showed that apart from isolation and development problems, youngsters are concerned with their privacy and security as AI records every detail, which is recognized as an intrusion problem for teenagers. Since teenagers use mobile phones 75 times a day, which increases their interaction with AI, they feel a decline in productivity in a race with machines (Batty, 2018). Kaplan and Haenlein (2020) note that 47% of current US employment will be subject to automation, threatening the youngsters who dream of applying to technical positions and being replaced by AI. At least 22% of youngsters fear losing their positions due to AI (Appendix B). It was also found that there are potential solutions to these potential harms, such as better regulation, education and awareness, and caution when using AI (Schwalbe & Wahl, 2020). The results also suggest that further research is needed better to understand AI’s potential impacts on the new generation.
Conclusion
This research paper has examined the possible harms of artificial intelligence on young people. It was found that AI can hurt physical, mental, and emotional health, development, and decision-making since AI replaced human force in leading firms. It was also found that there are potential solutions to these potential harms, such as better regulation, education and awareness, and caution when using AI. This research paper has highlighted the need for further research better to understand AI’s potential impacts on the new generation.
References
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Appendices
