AI generators like ChatGPT are becoming more common in both educational and everyday life. While this technology can offer great benefits, the use by children and students can have a significant draw back, particularly when it comes to their learning processes and development.

ChatGPT (and other AI tools) are being used by students in schools for a variety of tasks. With the AI software being free, and more advanced versions being around $20/month, students are using them to write assignments, generate ideas, or even solve more complex problems. These tools can be great for providing quick answers and assisting with drafting essays or content creation, which may seem super beneficial at a first glance. However, the convenience of AI tools can come at a high cost to a child’s learning or cognitive development.

Many experts and educators are afraid of students becoming over reliant on AI. Overreliance happens when users accept AI-generated content without question, which is particularly concerning if they completely trust AI-models.

Here are just three major areas where a child relying on ChatGPT can suffer:

Erosion of Critical Thinking Skills:

According to a study by Zhai et al., the regular utilization of AI-systems for academia (like generating ideas or writing essays) has been linked to a decline in cognitive abilities, a diminished capacity for information retention, and an increasing reliance on AI systems for information. In a study that focused on the concerns of overreliance and diminished critical thinking skills, Krullars et al. (2023) argues that the over-reliance on AI dialogue systems could diminish student’s drives and commitment to learning when they rely too much on them instead of participating in a learning environment. By using AI, students will lose the opportunity to engage deeply with the material and think independently.

Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty:

The ability of AI tools to produce well-written text has raised concerns about plagiarism. Some students may be tempted to pass off AI-generated content as their own, leading to issues of academic dishonesty and a lack of genuine learning. Because of this, some schools have banned the use of ChatGPT and other generative AI tools on their networks and others have updated their policies and handbooks to redefine ‘cheating.’ (EdTech Magazine, 2023).

Dependence on Technology:

Over-reliance on AI can lead to a dependency that diminishes students' abilities to perform tasks without technology assistance. This dependency can be detrimental in situations where critical thinking and original thought are required and could lead to a major disadvantage when they later enter the workforce (MDPI, 2023).

Bias and Misinformation:

AI tools are trained on vast datasets that may contain biases. This can result in biased outputs or the distribution of incorrect information, which can mislead students and impact their understanding of topics or lead them to be suspected of cheating under school regulations/rules. (EdTech Magazine, 2023).

While AI can be a great way to assist learning or cutting out the more ‘mundane’ work, the use of AI needs careful consideration so that it doesn’t undermine a students’ educational development. Educators AND parents need to make sure that these tools are used as… well, tools! Encourage your students to think critically and educate them on the downsides and proper uses of AI tools like ChatGPT. Fostering independent problem-solving skills are essential of raising well-rounded and capable future-adults!

Sources

Krullaars, Z. H., Januardani, A., Zhou, L., & Jonkers, E. (2023). Exploring initial interactions: High school students and generative ai chatbots for relationship development. https://doi.org/10.18420/muc2023-mci-src-415

Long, C., Smith, A., & Thompson, P. (2023). Impact of Generative AI on Classroom Engagement: A Case Study in Middle Schools. Frontiers in Education. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1206936

Werst, M. (2023). ChatGPT in Education: How Generative AI Can Revolutionize Learning. EdTech Magazine. https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2023/03/chatgpt-in-education-generative-ai-perfcon

Zhai, C., Wibowo, S. & Li, L.D. The effects of over-reliance on AI dialogue systems on students' cognitive abilities: a systematic review. Smart Learn. Environ. 11, 28 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-024-00316-7

Zhang, Y., Li, M., & Wu, J. (2023). Sustainable Consumption and Production: Pathways towards Green and Circular Economy. Sustainability, 15(18), 14025. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151814025