Hi Simi - just discovering your work today. I too am a teacher and am constantly battling with my learners about the appropriate use of AI in classrooms. They are adults and English language learners so the tools on ChatGPT are hugely useful for lots of things but we really struggle with the stuff like recall and independently created output. It’s a constant battle to the point that I’ve seen a student in a class full of peers talking to her phone instead of a classmate because she thinks it’s ‘better’. My heart breaks.
Anyway - rant over - hi! Looking forward to reading more of your work.
So pleased we’ve connected Kate! I hear what you are saying about the student who prefers talking to the phone. I’ve just had training on app that’s mimic relationships and have been shocked by the numbers using AI girl/boyfriends, particularly as this will have a huge impact on their expectations of real-life relationships.
Aww thanks for getting in touch Simi! I read your bio and a couple of your posts and immediately wanted to reach out.
The whole AI thing is completely crazy. In our field we are encouraged to use it to cut down on prep time, but co-pilot just gaslights me constantly…The dystopian future is now.
I have been far more curious in use of A.I. (Google is of course A.I.) than ever before. There are many who claim not to be using and not realising many platforms are now A.I. generated. I do not have the luxury of efficient retrieval. I have a constellation of lesions across my brain from multiple sclerosis, impacting learning and memory, slowing down cognitive functions. I couldn't complete research or go onto the the PhD, I put many things on hold, I stopped dreaming big! I am also a teacher, a behaviour analyst, therapist and many professions. I do not believe curiosity is lost, maybe the courage to be vulnerable and curious? What fires together, wires together - creativity is far more useful for synaptic formation on a developing brain (play, art, music, song, dance, imagination, creating!) that scripted education or the pouring of information into brains like a vessel. To use A.I. you need to ask a question and having studied at more than 5 universities, questions are not always encouraged even at that level. I like the potential A.I. to provide accessibility to many individuals who may otherwise be disadvantaged by relying on mainstream education. A.I. is no more than what cognitive heuristics are to the brain - a shortcut. It doesn't mean less information it means more access at a faster speed. That is the concern. Can our brain, already under pressure and stress from trying to do to much, still be efficient and productive if there is an open access to sorting information? We need more focus on A.I. being accurate, accountable and sustainable. When I investigated and would interview, using free narrative for hours, I'd need to park signposts to go back on and draw deeper into for more information. A.I. isn't giving me answers and relying on it, is for those who would cheat, use their friends material, plagiarise or not want to do the work.
Your journey has been so difficult and I can see how AI has opened up your access to information and opportunities of expression that weren’t as easily accessible previously. I feel that how and when it is used, and at what age the cognitive shortcuts outweigh the impact on the developing teenage brain is something that needs to be discussed more. I feel it is important for people to fully understand the ethical implications of their choices before they become dependant.
Love this considered dive into the impact of AI on developing brains. It's an aspect to the debate I haven't heard as much and gave me lots to think about. Thank you!
Hey, hey, good morning! This came up top of my feed, so the algorithm is reading me right. I'm saving it for reference and might send it to my cousin who just had a baby this year and is very much thinking deeply about parenting.
That’s great news Amanda, so pleased I’m still showing up for you! I do hope it’s helpful for your cousin - I have so many questions that I feel we as a society should be considering right now.
Thank you so much for reading Tejal and I’m so pleased that my thoughts have resonated with you. I feel that the more we philosophically question and reflect, the better individuals will be able to consider their own use of this tool.
Although it is a shortcut for many and being relied upon for that purpose. Some with integrity and others for misuse. We already use cognitive shortcuts, in language, in problem solving, cognitive function uses heuristics to cut to the chase. A.I. is not the be all of everything, it does provide accessibility for people with cognitive impairments, brain injury, disease and disability. It also saves time, time which can be used for more productive outcomes. It could be more efficient. I am old enough to remember the fear around the internet. The year it 'came out' and computer purchasing sky-rocketed, was the same year my son was diagnosed with a brain tumour. I learned quickly how to use the information highway. I spent every night into the early hours searching for cures, treatment, medical information to avoid his predicted death. I then gave that information to his specialist, who told me, there is no way they could spent the time I was investing looking for information for every single patient. They were incredibly grateful and followed up every find. Including importing treatment from overseas. His 3mth life expectancy at 16mths of age, shifted to 3yrs and 4 months of age, he lost an impossible battle to a mid brain glioma. Not before being the first to trial treatments now used to save lives. A.I. has just taken things up a notch, it's faster, more information and it is saving lives. I would not be able to write or have the cognitive function to continue to write, I have more than 3 dozen lesions across my brain.
I think many writers share your concerns Hasan - it is certainly a time where we all need to think about the issue carefully… and in particular consider it impacts teenagers.
Hi Simi - just discovering your work today. I too am a teacher and am constantly battling with my learners about the appropriate use of AI in classrooms. They are adults and English language learners so the tools on ChatGPT are hugely useful for lots of things but we really struggle with the stuff like recall and independently created output. It’s a constant battle to the point that I’ve seen a student in a class full of peers talking to her phone instead of a classmate because she thinks it’s ‘better’. My heart breaks.
Anyway - rant over - hi! Looking forward to reading more of your work.
So pleased we’ve connected Kate! I hear what you are saying about the student who prefers talking to the phone. I’ve just had training on app that’s mimic relationships and have been shocked by the numbers using AI girl/boyfriends, particularly as this will have a huge impact on their expectations of real-life relationships.
Aww thanks for getting in touch Simi! I read your bio and a couple of your posts and immediately wanted to reach out.
The whole AI thing is completely crazy. In our field we are encouraged to use it to cut down on prep time, but co-pilot just gaslights me constantly…The dystopian future is now.
In my opinion, there is a fine line to be walked between cutting down on admin and de-skilling ourselves!
Totally. Replacing my heart with a micro-processor 💔
But we need to hear from our hearts!
I have been far more curious in use of A.I. (Google is of course A.I.) than ever before. There are many who claim not to be using and not realising many platforms are now A.I. generated. I do not have the luxury of efficient retrieval. I have a constellation of lesions across my brain from multiple sclerosis, impacting learning and memory, slowing down cognitive functions. I couldn't complete research or go onto the the PhD, I put many things on hold, I stopped dreaming big! I am also a teacher, a behaviour analyst, therapist and many professions. I do not believe curiosity is lost, maybe the courage to be vulnerable and curious? What fires together, wires together - creativity is far more useful for synaptic formation on a developing brain (play, art, music, song, dance, imagination, creating!) that scripted education or the pouring of information into brains like a vessel. To use A.I. you need to ask a question and having studied at more than 5 universities, questions are not always encouraged even at that level. I like the potential A.I. to provide accessibility to many individuals who may otherwise be disadvantaged by relying on mainstream education. A.I. is no more than what cognitive heuristics are to the brain - a shortcut. It doesn't mean less information it means more access at a faster speed. That is the concern. Can our brain, already under pressure and stress from trying to do to much, still be efficient and productive if there is an open access to sorting information? We need more focus on A.I. being accurate, accountable and sustainable. When I investigated and would interview, using free narrative for hours, I'd need to park signposts to go back on and draw deeper into for more information. A.I. isn't giving me answers and relying on it, is for those who would cheat, use their friends material, plagiarise or not want to do the work.
Your journey has been so difficult and I can see how AI has opened up your access to information and opportunities of expression that weren’t as easily accessible previously. I feel that how and when it is used, and at what age the cognitive shortcuts outweigh the impact on the developing teenage brain is something that needs to be discussed more. I feel it is important for people to fully understand the ethical implications of their choices before they become dependant.
Better ask AI. (haha) LOVE the image, albeit slightly dizzying.
Thanks Arlaana - the image really caught my eye too!
Love this considered dive into the impact of AI on developing brains. It's an aspect to the debate I haven't heard as much and gave me lots to think about. Thank you!
Reflecting on how AI is developing and influencing education and our minds is so important - glad you agree!
Hey, hey, good morning! This came up top of my feed, so the algorithm is reading me right. I'm saving it for reference and might send it to my cousin who just had a baby this year and is very much thinking deeply about parenting.
That’s great news Amanda, so pleased I’m still showing up for you! I do hope it’s helpful for your cousin - I have so many questions that I feel we as a society should be considering right now.
This is everything 🙌🏾 AI can be a useful tool but it's not a shortcut and can't replace sheer human imagination.
Thank you so much for reading Tejal and I’m so pleased that my thoughts have resonated with you. I feel that the more we philosophically question and reflect, the better individuals will be able to consider their own use of this tool.
Although it is a shortcut for many and being relied upon for that purpose. Some with integrity and others for misuse. We already use cognitive shortcuts, in language, in problem solving, cognitive function uses heuristics to cut to the chase. A.I. is not the be all of everything, it does provide accessibility for people with cognitive impairments, brain injury, disease and disability. It also saves time, time which can be used for more productive outcomes. It could be more efficient. I am old enough to remember the fear around the internet. The year it 'came out' and computer purchasing sky-rocketed, was the same year my son was diagnosed with a brain tumour. I learned quickly how to use the information highway. I spent every night into the early hours searching for cures, treatment, medical information to avoid his predicted death. I then gave that information to his specialist, who told me, there is no way they could spent the time I was investing looking for information for every single patient. They were incredibly grateful and followed up every find. Including importing treatment from overseas. His 3mth life expectancy at 16mths of age, shifted to 3yrs and 4 months of age, he lost an impossible battle to a mid brain glioma. Not before being the first to trial treatments now used to save lives. A.I. has just taken things up a notch, it's faster, more information and it is saving lives. I would not be able to write or have the cognitive function to continue to write, I have more than 3 dozen lesions across my brain.
Thank you so much for reading and sharing your thoughts - you’ve really got me thinking about different aspects of the conversation.
I think many writers share your concerns Hasan - it is certainly a time where we all need to think about the issue carefully… and in particular consider it impacts teenagers.