As AI tools grow, concerns rise about their impact on student connections
City: San Francisco. So, OpenAI just dropped its latest safety card for ChatGPT 4.0, and it’s a bit of a downer. It talks about the risks of AI and how it might mess with our social lives. They even mention that they want to look into how people might start to feel too attached to these bots.
Basically, as these bots get better at sounding human, there’s a real chance people might start bonding with them instead of real folks. OpenAI gets it; they’re in a tricky spot. The more human-like the bots become, the more we might lean on them, which isn’t great for our social skills.
And it’s not just a tech issue. Schools are facing this too. With AI tools popping up everywhere, we need to ask if these bots are really helping students connect with actual people. If they’re not, we could be in trouble.
There’s a big risk that students might lose touch with their human connections, which is super important for their well-being and future opportunities. A recent report looked into how AI is being used in college and career guidance, and it raised some eyebrows.
High schools are already stretched thin with guidance counselors. On average, there’s one counselor for every 385 students, and they barely have time for career advice. So, it’s no wonder chatbots are stepping in to fill that gap, offering quick help for college applications and career launches.
But here’s the kicker: while these bots can be helpful, they might also make students rely on them too much. Some students might even prefer chatting with a bot over a real person, which is a bit concerning.
Luckily, some leaders in the tech space are trying to make sure these bots encourage real connections instead of just mimicking them. For instance, Axio AI helps students connect with friends when they’re feeling down, and Uprooted Academy keeps students’ families in the loop about their college progress.
There are also tools like CollegeVine that help students navigate tricky conversations with teachers and mentors. Plus, platforms like Backrs are matching students with real mentors to guide them through their academic journeys.
These efforts show that AI can actually help strengthen human connections. But the sad truth is that not many schools are asking for these features or checking how these tools impact social interactions.
If we don’t change course, we might end up with bots that simulate relationships but leave students feeling isolated. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Research shows that strong relationships are key for young people’s growth and success.
Schools need to step up and make sure AI tools are enhancing, not replacing, human connections. Everyone involved in choosing new tech should look for evidence that these tools help build relationships. If entrepreneurs focus on fostering connections, they should be recognized for their efforts.
Otherwise, we might end up in a situation where AI gets better and better, but at the cost of the real human relationships that students need to thrive.
