As AI continues to advance, we are starting to see it implemented in our everyday lives more and more. AI just isn’t science fiction anymore; many tech giants have developed AI programs that can help with just about anything you can think of, and it can even create videos and images. Now time-consuming problems of the past, such as math homework and English essays, can be typed into programs such as ChatGPT and be finished with the click of a button. However, AI isn’t just a tool for homework anymore; it is now a potential concern for many fearing it will take their jobs. According to an article by Mark Talmage-Rostron, it is predicted that AI could take the place of around 300 million full-time jobs by 2030, the most affected jobs being customer service representatives, receptionists, accountants, salespeople, researchers, warehouse workers, insurance underwriters, and retail jobs. Not only can AI take jobs, but it can also have a negative effect on the environment. According to Kenza Bryan from Financial Times, “AI data centers are massively contributing to the continued rise in power demand, which itself contributes to the continued rise in global emissions.”
Some at CHS have shared their concerns and/or thoughts on the rise of Artificial Intelligence. English Department Head at CHS, and opponent of AI, Mrs. Bryant, states she is very concerned with the continued development and implementation of AI in our society, specifically in education. “I fear it is going to become a crutch for so many things, teachers being asked to use it to grade and create lesson plans. That’s why we need human teachers, because they see the humanity in each individual student.” Bryant adds, “I can understand certain resources using AI because I can see how it can streamline a lot of processes. But I think we are focused too much on streamlining and efficiency, and sacrificing critical thinking and problem-solving.” She also stressed the importance of being careful about what student data is plugged into AI, as it can steal information and invade privacy. Bryant is heavily in support of laws being put in place to limit AI. She says, “I especially like what some European countries have done by making it illegal for AI to use your image, as it can steal your personal information.” Bryant’s last piece of advice she would like to share with students is “AI and other technology are contributing to America’s backward slide into illiteracy. Look at any study on the effects of screens on children. Or MIT’s recent study on AI usage. It’s not making anyone smarter or freeing up time to be more innovative—quite the opposite. Learning comes through facing challenges, not from regurgitating what the robots tell you.”
Senior at CHS Spencer Engelhardt voices that AI is a tool that, if used ethically, can yield positive results. Engelhardt is an avid user of AI and says he uses it on a daily basis. When asked how he thought it would be used in the future, he stated, “I think AI will be integrated a lot more into our lives, and it will have a huge impact on the way the internet runs and the efficiency of society as a whole. It will be a net positive impact.” Engelhardt acknowledges that while the effect AI has on the environment is negative, he mentions that “the amount of environmental impact is negligible compared to the practical use.” He believes that if used correctly, AI can be a valuable tool for both students and educators. Despite being in favor of AI, Engelhardt still thinks there should absolutely be laws on the use of AI.
Although the current use of AI might not seem too alarming, it is crucial that we as a society keep our eye on it, as living in a reality where we over-rely on AI may be in the near future.
