In an article from Scientific American in July, Blake Lemoine, an engineer from Google, recounted many conversations he had with an Artificial Intelligence (AI) robot in which the two talked about many different topics, ranging from technical to philosophical issues. The answers the AI responded with led him to question the possibility that the software program might be sentient.

AI has been taking over the world, one red laser and mechanical whir at a time. While often portrayed as an imminent threat in today’s mass media, it’s still used by millions every day. AI is utilized greatly in education, even while knowing that it could eventually lead to our downfall.  But is the threat of AI something that needs to be brought up to public attention more often? 

“I agree and disagree with that. AI is self-aware and can learn to think for itself. If we’re not careful, they might be self-aware to the point where they will know maybe too much. However, I also disagree because AI is still in its developing stages,” Mr. Zaragoza, the 3-D Animation Teacher said.

Though technology is still far from “taking over the world,” it is changing human connection and social interaction on a daily basis. Outlets like social media and gaming keep people glued to their screens and limit in-person communication. 

“Currently, social media platforms already have some form of AI and that AI uses an algorithm that keeps people glued to the app for as long as possible, and helps those very platforms reel in tons of money. In the future, social media apps will most likely implement more sophisticated AI algorithms to help with this task,” said Kedar Vernekar, a freshman and coding enthusiast.

Millions of teens are already heavily influenced by media and social platforms, and now, schools are starting to use these very platforms for educational purposes. 

“Work should be online because, in my field, designers and programmers are working 95% computer-based five days a week. Now that it’s 3D and heavily involved, work needs to be online. Papers should only be used for planning and paperwork like a storyboard,” Mr. Zaragoza said. 

Paper is a rare sight in some classrooms, as the go-to tool for homework and assignments is always a computer. Students are only going to be exposed to AI more and more as they turn to college and even their career paths. 

“Well, I want to be a dentist. As time goes on,  X-rays will change to be more advanced and along with that, we can use more advanced technology to implement methods in dentistry. We’d be more knowledgeable about the skill and ability to help the patient better,” Junior Rawan Nasser said. 

Technology has saved countless lives and made daily activities easier for many people. As a result, education without technology seems unimaginable for many.

“I feel like teaching would be a lot faster and more effective with the introduction of new technology, as we would be able to cater to specific student needs based on what they need to learn at that moment,” Mr. Zaragoza said.

AI has even changed the way people play games such as chess. 

“In terms of technology, we have come far; AI was used to develop Deep Blue, which was the first programmed chess computer to defeat a chess grandmaster in 1997. We see AI being used in many things, from being able to recognize faces to be able to write essays. These AI technologies are bringing efficiency to the real world and opening new doors in ways to do things. For example, people can play chess with a chess bot or use AI to give feedback on a written paragraph,” Vernekar said. 

The responsibilities that come with AI are huge, and some believe it is not worth the risk of the technology falling into nefarious hands in exchange for convenience. 

“AI, if given to the wrong people, can lead to danger,” Vernekar said.