NEWS

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence has raised concerns about its effect on how young people perceive reality. Michael Cassens, a professor at the University of Montana, is dedicated to educating people on the potential mental impacts of AI.

Cassens, who teaches AI in esports, points out critical issues such as hallucinations and bias in AI systems. The Child Rescue Coalition urges parents to stay alert about their teenagers’ exposure to AI, which can create fake scenarios, track communication patterns, and even manipulate interactions through impersonations. It’s essential for parents to understand these risks to guide their children’s use of AI.

“Education plays a key role, especially in making sure parents are informed and understand what their kids are engaging with,” Cassens said.

The aim is to help AI become a helpful tool rather than a harmful influence on the younger generation.

“We want parents to feel confident about what’s happening and be sure that nothing will go wrong when their kids use AI,” Cassens added.

Cassens identified two major concerns: hallucinations, where AI creates false scenarios, and bias in the systems themselves. He expressed particular concern about how AI might affect individuals under 18, warning that its potential negative impacts on mental health should not be underestimated.

“I would never want to introduce a technology that could ultimately cause harm,” Cassens explained, also stressing the importance of privacy. He emphasized that respecting privacy is especially crucial in high school settings, where the risk of AI-related issues could have serious consequences.

Educate yourself and your children about the impact of AI on mental health and safety. Read our Parental Tips HERE.