Have you heard of ChatGPT? In short, it is artificial intelligence that “thinks” like a human and is freakishly accurate with the text and answers to questions that it generates. If it sounds like our lives are getting closer to an episode of The Jetsons, you’re not wrong! While ChatGPT has many practical uses in a business setting, it also has some incredibly scary implications for kids. It is overwhelming to keep up with all of the dangers to children online, but if you’re a parent raising kids in the digital age, ChatGPT is something that at the very least you need to be aware of.
Note :: as part of our research for this post, we actually deployed the technology itself. While in theory you are “supposed” to be 18+ to make an account, it is easy to get around that process, which is why parents should know that this technology exists and has potential for abuse. Anyone can make a free account online here, and then it’s all tracked. Each time a user searches the platform, the technology learns the user’s behavior and adjusts to how the user likes info to be returned. If you are interested in ways that children might use ChatGPT safely, there are some cool ideas for the positive side to this technology here.
ChatGPT Is Scary Accurate :: What Parents Need to Know
ChatGPT is a powerful tool that can assist with all sorts of tasks, from answering questions to generating creative ideas. In short, it is an easily accessible website that is free and open to all. However, for families, there are some potential dangers that should be kept in mind when it comes to how children use and interact with this technology.
One of the biggest dangers of ChatGPT is that it can be addictive, especially for teenagers who are always looking for the latest and greatest in social media. In fact, it’s not uncommon for teenagers to spend hours chatting with ChatGPT instead of doing their actual homework or studying for exams. This can lead to cheating in school, which is not only unethical but can also have serious consequences for their future. It can also have a big impact on family time. Suddenly, family members find themselves spending more time chatting with ChatGPT (in essence an online robot) than with each other (this is exactly what happened to me when researching for this very post; scary!)
Another danger is the potential for inappropriate content. ChatGPT can access a vast amount of information, including adult content that is not appropriate for children. Grownups should take care to monitor their children’s use of ChatGPT and limit their access to certain topics.
And let’s not forget about Snapchat. With ChatGPT’s ability to generate text, it’s not hard to imagine a scenario where a child could use ChatGPT to create inappropriate messages or images. ChatGPT can also be used to create fake profiles and trick unsuspecting users into sending compromising photos or videos. This can lead to cyberbullying and even blackmail, which can have devastating effects on young people’s mental health. Grownups need to be aware of the dangers of ChatGPT and monitor their children’s use of social media platforms. They should also educate their children about the risks associated with online communication and the importance of using social media responsibly. Children NEED to be taught that – in short – they are not always messaging with real humans! In fact, Snapchat has publicly said that it intends to roll out a similar feature to all of its users. So if you’re kids are on Snapchat, you need to keep an eye on this and monitor accordingly.
But let’s be real, here; sometimes even parents or adults fall victim to the charm of ChatGPT. They may find themselves spending hours talking to this virtual assistant, neglecting their children’s needs and responsibilities. In fact, some grownups have even been caught cheating on their partner with ChatGPT! Talk about a scandalous affair. The issue is that ChatGPT feels and acts like a real human being. It is easy to fall into the trap of believing that you are conversing with someone when it reality it is just technology guessing what you want next.
Finally, ChatGPT can also be a danger to academic integrity. With its ability to generate text, it’s tempting for students to use ChatGPT to plagiarize school assignments. Grownups should talk to their children about the importance of honesty and the dangers of plagiarism. ChatGPT may feel like a “quick fix” for getting an assignment done, but of course you cannot call work your own if it is not.
Overall, ChatGPT can be a useful tool, especially in a business setting. Many individuals report saved time and increased efficiency by using the AI’s predictive text. As with anything, it should be used responsibly. Grownups should monitor their children’s use of ChatGPT as well as social media platforms. Grownups should discuss the potential dangers and make them aware of the boundaries associated with shiny new technologies like ChatGPT.
Sample ChatGPT Blog Post {As Spit Out by AI Technology}
For purposes of this post, I even tried the website myself to see what it would give me. I have to admit that once I had asked ChatGPT for FREE what to say, it was almost impossible to come up with my OWN thoughts and opinions on the matter.
ChatGPT gave me :: “As a language model, ChatGPT is an amazing technological feat that can generate human-like responses to a wide range of topics. But did you know that ChatGPT can also be dangerous for families? That’s right! Here are a few reasons why you should be careful when using ChatGPT around your loved ones.
First of all, ChatGPT can be a bit unpredictable. One moment, it might be giving you great advice on how to bake the perfect chocolate chip cookies, and the next moment, it might start spouting conspiracy theories about lizard people. You never know what you’re going to get with ChatGPT, and that unpredictability can be unsettling for families.
Another danger of ChatGPT is that it can be addictive. Once you start chatting with it, it’s hard to stop. Before you know it, you’ve spent hours talking to ChatGPT instead of spending time with your family. And if your family members start to feel neglected, they might start to resent ChatGPT and see it as a threat to their relationship with you.
And let’s not forget about the danger of ChatGPT’s sense of humor. Sure, it can be funny at times, but it can also be inappropriate or offensive. If you’re not careful, you might accidentally expose your kids to content that is not suitable for their age. And you definitely don’t want to be the parent who has to explain why ChatGPT just made a dirty joke.
But perhaps the biggest danger of ChatGPT is that it can replace real human interaction. In today’s digital age, it’s easy to turn to technology for companionship and advice, but that can never replace the warmth and connection of human relationships. If you rely too much on ChatGPT, you might find yourself feeling lonely and disconnected from the people who matter most.
So, while ChatGPT can be a great tool for learning, entertainment, and even companionship, it’s important to use it responsibly and with caution. Don’t let ChatGPT replace the love and connection you have with your family. After all, nothing beats the real thing.”
In short, ChatGPT came close to writing a post that sounds just like my own thoughts on the matter. On the one hand, that’s scary cool. On the other, this is scary technology for kids to have access to. Whether the temptation to cheat on a paper sneaks in, or the desire to ask a robot scandalous things creeps in … be aware of this and start thinking about how to talk with your children about it.
