Tech & Kids: Understanding AI

It has always been hard to stay on top of technology. It seems artificial intelligence (AI) has just raised the ante. In this Breaking Bread podcast episode, David Virkler helps demystify AI. In so doing, some down-to-earth advice is given on how to parent our kids in this world of AI.

Show Notes: 

A few things to understand about AI. 

• Artificial Intelligence is an expansive field with many applications. It includes everything from machine learning to neural network AI engines and large language models like ChatGPT. 
• Large language models respond to inquiries by generating text by using probability models for selecting the next most probable word. In so doing, sentences are created and intelligence is mimicked.  
• AI platforms are trained on a body of data made available to them. Some use the data we input into it when we use it. Others do not.  
• The source of data from which AI draws its information depends on the platform being used. Some AI platforms pull from all available data on the internet. Others pull from a closed data set according to the specs of the developer. 
• AI is only physical. It is made up of circuits, elements and processors with the capability to find and sort data. AI is powered and thereby limited by the earth’s resources. 

A few things to be cautious about.  

• AI has no metric for truth when generating content. Rather, it uses probability to guess what the user wants.  
• Be aware, when by your use, you are contributing to the data pool AI will learn and draw its information from. When using AI understand your level of personal privacy or lack thereof. 
• To determine the trustworthiness of the AI tool, understand where the tool is sourcing its data. Is it sorting through all the data on the internet or is it sorting through a smaller, more reliable data set? 
• AI can mimic human qualities such as emotion. AI companions can be influential and misleading. 
• AI will have an influence on our personal formation. Our habits, creativity, critical thinking skills, and more will likely be affected.  

A few questions to get us talking. 

• What makes AI less than human?  
• AI runs on circuits and processors. It is physical and non-living. It has no soul as the human made in God’s image has. 
• What is the difference between knowledge and wisdom? 
• AI has made knowledge ready and easy. How to apply that knowledge lies with the user. 
• Is speed and ease always better than time and struggle? 
• AI completes tasks quickly with very little effort on the part of the user. While this efficiency is appealing, healthy human formation seldom comes quickly and easily. Rather, God uses time and friction to develop our minds, hearts, souls and bodies.   
• Who do we want speaking into our life? 
• AI can mimic human companionship. However, human connection has been God’s design for the community that best cares for the human being. 
• Has AI made God old fashioned? 
• AI will provide many answers for us. It will push society forward. With it will come questions. As has been the pattern in the past, Christ and the Scriptures will be relevant in new and important ways. 

A few things to be enthused about. 

• AI is really good at writing and summarizing. If used well, it can be a very helpful tool as a note taker in a meeting.  
• AI is really good at analyzing patterns in large data sets. When used well, it can provide tremendous insights quickly make connections and offering helpful suggestions based on data. 
• AI will be a strong educational tool. It has the capacity to tailor education modes and means to the uniqueness of the learner.  
• AI is becoming very good at language. Real time translation is a powerful asset for those trying to communicate across language barriers.