Unlock Editor’s Digest Lock for Free
FT editor Roula Khalaf will select your favorite stories in this weekly newsletter.
Artificial intelligence, or AI, is very popular today, but this technology has been around for decades. The term dates back to the 1950s.
However, there have been a lot of progress recently, and recently AI can do everything from playing chess and Pokemon to creating photos, writing computer code, completing research.
As these systems become more widely used and available in schools, universities and jobs, it is essential to understand how AI works and how to use it well. A study by nonprofit organization Common Sense Media shows that seven in 10 teens use at least one type of generator AI tool, with over half using it most frequently for homework.
The main thing to remember is that best-performing AI systems are based on the language of text, numbers, videos or images. The more specific the instructions and information you become, the more you can respond to requests.
Navigate the digital world
“As with calculators and the Internet, as new technologies are delivered online, it will take a little longer for society to adapt to using them. We hope that AI will look like a similar transition.”
Earlier this year, Claude went viral to complete the video game Pokemon. However, Claude and similar products such as Openai’s ChatGpt and Google’s Gemini are also very successful in code exercises, meaning they can create software.
He is also good at completing administrative tasks, particularly writing or analyzing texts such as emails and essays. Recent advances mean that you can instruct AI systems to spend time researching topics and questions rather than trying to answer them immediately. AI can refer to the Internet and consider the usefulness of the information it provides and what format it provides.
Some content could not be loaded. Please check your internet connection or browser settings.
“AI is the greatest gift for learning,” says Lisa Geverber, founder of Grow with Google. “It’s a great way to move things on a daily basis faster and you can actually get into the important things of the experts by using AI. Knowing how to use those tools and applying your own expertise, judgment and talent to what AI tools have to offer is the best combination.”
However, many people advise against relying too much on AI systems for their homework and work. This can cause an error and the user is ultimately considered responsible. AI can create content that is virtually inaccurate and it can be difficult to determine why a particular decision has been reached.
“AI is like a parrot that learns by listening,” says Robbie Torney of Common Sense Media. “AI learned from the whole internet, so we pick up the same stereotypes and biases that exist (there are) that are: men may output as scientists or teachers are female.”
There has also been growing concern about the overreliance on these tools for education and friendship.
Therefore, education experts and career advisors say it is important to be able to critically evaluate the outcomes that AI systems produce.
“You’ll graduate from high school with a very strong core competency that positions you well towards university, but try to distinguish yourself with unique skills of creativity and empathy,” advises Robin Lake, director of the Center for Reform of Public Education, an educational reform organization. “Think about focusing on the skills only the human mind and body possess.”
According to a survey by the World Economic Forum, 40% of employers expect that AI will reduce the workforce that can automate tasks. However, the study also suggests that AI will generate 101 million jobs while erasing existing roles for nine million, leading to questions about what future careers exist for younger generations.
“AI can be a great starting point. It’s quick, fairly accessible and can help employers organize what they’re looking for, put in some examples and understand a bit. However, it’s important to remember that AI is not limited to the data they’re trained.
“Think of AI as one of many tools in the toolkit. It can support career thinking, but it does not replace the importance of real-world experience, independent research and collaboration with career experts, and your own decision-making.”
