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A recent survey reveals that a staggering three in five young people are troubled by the potential misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) to create inappropriate images of them. This finding highlights a growing anxiety among teenagers regarding AI’s implications for their privacy and safety, coinciding with an increase in its use among this age group.
Rising Concerns About AI Misuse
According to the research conducted by the UK Safer Internet Centre and Nominet, which coincided with Safer Internet Day, over 12 per cent of teenagers aged between 13 and 17 reported witnessing their peers employing AI to generate sexual images and videos of others. This alarming statistic surfaces as the UK’s data protection regulator has initiated a formal investigation into X and xAI, particularly following incidents where the Grok chatbot produced explicit deepfake images without consent.
The survey involved 2,000 parents and revealed that approximately 65 per cent are apprehensive about AI’s potential to create inappropriate content involving their children. Similarly, 60 per cent of young individuals aged 8 to 17 expressed their worries about the misuse of AI in this manner.
AI: A Double-Edged Sword
Despite these grave concerns, the allure of AI remains potent among young people. An overwhelming 97 per cent of those surveyed reported using AI, with over half (58 per cent) believing it enhances their daily lives. Notably, 41 per cent of teenagers feel that AI offers emotional support, and 34 per cent believe it positively impacts their mental health and emotional well-being.
However, the data also revealed a disconnect between parents and their children regarding AI’s role in education. While only 31 per cent of parents recognised that their children used AI for homework assistance, a significant 54 per cent of young people admitted to doing so. This discrepancy raises questions about the understanding and monitoring of AI’s influence on learning and cognitive development.
Calls for Urgent Action
Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), underscored the urgency of addressing these findings. He noted that while AI’s integration into educational curriculums is recognised, the current pace of change is insufficient. “Young people are already using AI at an unprecedented rate,” Kebede remarked. He pointed out that the risks associated with AI usage, particularly regarding young people’s learning and development, outweigh the potential benefits.
The government has been proactive in promoting AI as a learning tool, announcing plans to recruit over 1,000 schools and colleges to experiment with new technologies. Additionally, AI tutoring is anticipated to be accessible to disadvantaged students by the end of 2027. Yet, concerns remain. Kebede voiced his worries about the long-term cognitive impacts of AI on children, aligning with findings from Ofsted that suggest a positive outlook among educators regarding AI’s ability to alleviate teaching burdens.
Government’s Response and Future Directions
In response to the survey’s findings, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall acknowledged the remarkable ways young people are embracing AI, particularly for educational purposes. She emphasised that while AI can lead to significant benefits, these can only be fully realised when the technology is both safe and accessible for everyone. The government is not only investing in secure AI tutoring but is also initiating a national dialogue on how to create a safer digital environment for children.
Kendall assured that measures are being taken to prevent the exploitation of AI for creating explicit content without consent, highlighting the introduction of a new criminal offence aimed at addressing these concerns.
Why it Matters
The findings from this survey illuminate a critical intersection of technology, youth culture, and safety. As young people increasingly integrate AI into their lives, it is imperative that robust safeguards are established to protect them from potential harms. The ongoing dialogue surrounding AI’s role in education and personal development must be informed by their experiences and concerns, ensuring that the benefits of this powerful technology do not come at the cost of their well-being. The call for urgent action is not just about regulation; it’s about prioritising the voices of the youth as we navigate this evolving landscape.
