Snapchat’s latest feature, My AI, has raised concerns among tech experts about its intentions, biases, and the potential effects on children. Web3 consultant and AI expert Joseph Raczynski and Center for Technology & Innovation Director Jessica Melugin have shared their thoughts on the matter.
The growing influence of My AI
Snapchat’s My AI feature, available to nearly 750 million monthly users since April, operates on OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology. With 59% of US internet users aged 15 to 29 using Snapchat, young generations now have access to AI capabilities at their fingertips.
According to Raczynski, Snapchat should reconsider My AI’s role as an assistant rather than a friend, as it can provide inaccurate information, especially if the data sources are not diverse enough. Melugin also emphasized that My AI has a potential bias, which may lean towards liberal culture and ideologies.
Parental guidance and open communication
As AI tools like My AI become more accessible to pre-teens and young adults through social apps, tech experts urge parents to maintain open communication with their children about potential misinformation. Melugin compares this to traditional conversations parents have had with their kids about healthy eating habits and limiting screen time.
Raczynski suggests that parents should teach their children that AI-generated information is not always the truth and should be approached with skepticism. By engaging with their children and helping them learn about AI, parents can foster a responsible and informed approach to AI tools like My AI on Snapchat.
The future of AI advancements
Both Raczynski and Melugin agree that there is no way to pause AI advancements, as they happen rapidly. They predict that industry leaders will continue to expand AI capabilities, with companies like Elon Musk’s Twitter potentially creating numerous chatbot versions to stay competitive in the market.
Snapchat has acknowledged that My AI is continuously learning and can occasionally produce incorrect responses. The company claims that the tool is designed to avoid bias and misleading content. However, Melugin stresses the importance of user feedback to improve products and address potential issues.
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