Risks of artificial intelligence technology on children go beyond social media

Serdar HocamAuthor & Editor

Former Google safety executive Tom Siegel stated that artificial intelligence systems pose greater dangers to children than social media.

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Google’ın eski güvenlik şefi: Yapay zekâ çocuklar için sosyal medyadan daha riskli - Dünya Gazetesi

Tom Siegel, former trust and safety executive at Google, warned that artificial intelligence could have much heavier consequences on children's mental health and safety than social media. Siegel drew attention to the lack of oversight by technology companies.

The Difference Between Artificial Intelligence and Social Media

It is stated that artificial intelligence does not merely share content with the user, but can also answer children's questions through chat systems and establish long-term one-on-one communication. This situation increases the impact of incorrect responses.

There are significant risks such as children turning to artificial intelligence during moments of crisis, emotionally bonding with the systems, and replacing their cognitive processes with technology.

Background in the Security Sector

Joining Google in 2004, Tom Siegel was part of the team that built the company's trust and safety organization from scratch. He later became one of the founders of TrustLab, which conducts independent safety measurements.

Youth AI Safety Institute

Serving as the first executive director of the Youth AI Safety Institute, established within Common Sense Media, Siegel aims to independently test products used by children from companies.

Research Data and Usage Rates

According to research conducted by Common Sense Media, 86 percent of children aged 9-17 use artificial intelligence, and nearly one in four children does so every day. More than half of the children consult these systems on health issues.

Independent Crash Tests

Aiming to establish a system similar to tests in automobile safety, the institute will examine artificial intelligence products in real-world usage scenarios and share the results with the public.