Meet the Students Resisting the Dark Side of AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in various fields, including education. While educators often view AI as a tool for improving learning outcomes, many students are beginning to voice their concerns about its impact, particularly when it comes to issues like surveillance, web filtering, and plagiarism detection. These challenges have led to a growing movement among students to advocate for more ethical and transparent use of AI in schools. This article delves into the experiences of students actively resisting the dark side of AI, exploring their unique perspectives and initiatives aimed at reforming how AI is deployed in educational settings.

### The Complex Landscape of AI in Education

For students like Christianna Thomas, a senior at Heights High School in Texas, the use of AI in education can be a double-edged sword. The school’s AI policy includes a plagiarism detector, which, while intended to uphold academic integrity, can unintentionally stifle creativity and limit access to valuable online resources. For instance, while researching the education system in Communist Cuba for a history project, Thomas encountered significant obstacles when the school’s web filter blocked pertinent websites.

This scenario underscores a troubling trend: schools employing AI web filters not only aim to protect students from unsafe content but often indiscriminately restrict access to essential information. Resources like The Trevor Project, which provides support for at-risk youth, and academic databases like JSTOR are sometimes blocked due to content moderation algorithms. This raises critical questions about the balance between safety and access to information in educational settings.

### Surveillance and Student Privacy

One of the more alarming aspects of AI in schools is the enhanced surveillance employed to monitor students’ online activities. Many educational technology companies assert that they need to keep tabs on students to intervene when necessary. However, this level of scrutiny has sparked fears among students about police surveillance and the potential for unjust repercussions. For example, a case emerged where a 13-year-old girl was strip-searched after a misinterpretation of a private chat message flagged by an AI monitoring system.

Legal actions, such as the Knight First Amendment Institute’s lawsuit against a Texas school district, highlight concerns about transparency surrounding these surveillance practices. The lawsuit seeks to establish what information schools are collecting and how it is utilized. For many students, a lack of clarity surrounding these practices creates a sense of mistrust, leaving them feeling vulnerable.

### Amplifying Student Voices

Despite their concerns, students are not merely passive recipients of AI reshaping their educational experiences; they are actively engaging in advocacy to ensure their voices are heard. Thomas, for instance, collaborates with Students Engaged in Advancing Texas, a nonprofit organization that brings students together to discuss and influence educational policies. The organization has explored various issues, from book bans to student rights regarding web filtering. With initiatives like the introduction of nonvoting student trustee positions on school boards, students are making strides in advocating for their interests.

Additionally, other organizations, such as Encode, which focuses on ethical AI use, have emerged as platforms for student-led activism. Students like Deeksha Vaidyanathan and Suchir Paruchuri are working to reform AI regulations, fostering discussions around how AI can empower students rather than control them. These students are motivated by a shared belief that technology should serve to enhance educational opportunities rather than obstruct them.

### Ethical Guidelines and Policy Development

Among the manifestations of student activism is the development of clear ethical guidelines governing AI usage in educational settings. Teachers frequently have different stances on AI deployment, with some embracing its benefits while others resort to surveillance tools to prevent cheating. When Vaidyanathan was a high school student, she collaborated with her school district to create a policy regulating AI use, ensuring that technology is applied fairly and consistently.

This initiative serves as a model for other educational institutions grappling with similar issues. However, many schools remain overwhelmed by the complexities of implementing AI and are often ill-equipped to handle the ethical dilemmas it presents. Consequently, the voices of students who grapple with these technologies on a daily basis must be integrated into conversations about AI policy development.

### Addressing Deepfake Dangers

One area where AI has given rise to ethical concerns is the creation of deepfakes, particularly those targeting young people. Reports indicate that non-consensual sexual deepfakes have become a troubling trend, causing distress and trauma among those affected. Despite the alarming statistics, many schools have not established comprehensive guidelines for addressing these issues, leaving students at risk.

The students involved in organizations like Encode are challenging schools to recognize the challenges presented by deepfakes. Paruchuri emphasizes the need for “AI safety,” advocating for regulations that uphold students’ rights and dignity. As students become more engaged in the political process, they hope to influence state legislatures to consider the implications of AI, ensuring that policies reflect the realities students face.

### A Call for Balanced AI Use

The movement to combat the adverse effects of AI in education underscores the importance of balancing safety with accessibility. Advocacy from students like Thomas, Vaidyanathan, and Paruchuri reveals that they prefer to exist in an educational environment where technology empowers rather than restricts them.

Educational institutions must recognize the need for policies that accommodate diverse student interests while preserving their rights. Transparency in AI deployment is crucial, as is student participation in the decision-making process. Addressing the concerns voiced by students regarding web filtering, monitoring, and the implications of deepfakes can lead to a healthier and more ethical educational landscape.

### Conclusion

As AI continues to integrate into the educational framework, the voices of students resisting its darker implications are vital in promoting change. Students like Christianna Thomas, Deeksha Vaidyanathan, and Suchir Paruchuri serve as powerful advocates for a more balanced approach, urging awareness, transparency, and ethical guidelines for AI in schools. The ongoing dialogue will pave the way for a future where technology serves as an ally in education rather than a source of distress. Engaging students in this conversation is essential for designing an educational environment that respects their rights while harnessing the potential of AI for good.

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