Online issues and worries: Generative AI

A virtual environment is a space where people can interact and share with others from all over the world. A chatbot, or virtual companion, is an AI tool that can do these same things in those virtual environments too.

You can ask a chatbot questions and send messages to it like it’s a real person. Most people do this online through their phones, tablets or computers, but you can also find virtual companions in smart speakers, virtual reality (VR) headsets and other digital devices. They won’t always look the same though.

For example, chatbots in an online shop will need you to type questions for them to interact with you. But with smart speakers you can ask the virtual assistant questions without needing to write anything.

How virtual environments use chatbots

Each virtual environment that uses chatbots will do so in different ways. Some forms include the following.

Web assistants

If you’re using a website and need help, some websites will have a chatbot to answer simple questions. Some online shops or banks might use web assistants in this way.

Virtual friends

Some video game and social media platforms are adding AI chatbots to their service to help people feel like they’re talking to a friend.

Support services

In some cases, virtual companions can offer users support with their mental health by chatting with them, putting them into contact with help or offering advice and resources to support them.

Search engines

Generative AI tools like Google Gemini can offer answers to questions like a search engine might. These tools can quickly search the internet for the answer and even provide sources so you can learn more about what you’ve searched for.

As time goes on and chatbots become even better, we might see them in a lot more virtual environments.

What are the benefits and risks of chatbots?

As with anything online, there are both benefits and risks when it comes to using AI chatbots. So, it’s important to only use tools that are right for your age and that your parent, carer or teacher has given you permission to use.

Benefits

Companionship

Some people might not have a lot of friends to talk to. This can leave them feeling really lonely and sad. But chatbots can help, because they make you feel like you’re talking to a real person, which can help some people feel less alone.

Communication skills

If a person struggles to talk with others because they feel shy or anxious, or because they have a disability, chatbots can help them practise and build their confidence.

Learning

Some chatbots can help you learn new things by answering your questions and explaining how to do things. For example, a chatbot could tell you where you’ve used incorrect punctuation, or where you’ve gone wrong on a maths problem. It could also give you suggestions for new things to learn based on your interests.

Fun

You can use chatbots to play games, tell jokes or write silly stories. You can even do things like interview your favourite book or movie character, or create a fictional world to imagine in.

Risks

Misinformation

Remember that AI will sometimes get things wrong. So, if you’re asking a chatbot questions or for help with something, you will need to double-check its answer somewhere else. You can do this by using a different search engine or asking a trusted adult nearby.

Missing out on skills

Even though AI chatbots can help you build some skills, it can get in the way of other skills. For example, if someone asked chatbots for answers instead of help on how to do something, they would never learn to do the task without the chatbot. We need to use our critical thinking skills to help develop our brain, so shouldn’t spend too much time relying on chatbots.

Oversharing private information

Remember that AI tools like chatbots learn from information they’re given. This includes the information you give it. So, if you give it personal information like your school, name or anything else that you wouldn’t give to a stranger, it will remember and possibly use that information to learn. You don’t want it accidentally sharing it with someone else using the chatbot!

How to be a responsible chatbot user

You can make sure you’re safe while using virtual companions by remembering the following things.

Set rules

With a parent or carer, decide which chatbots you can use, how you can use them and when you can use them. Doing this will help you become a responsible chatbot user.

Talk to adults

If you're unsure about something a chatbot says, talk to a trusted adult like a parent, carer, teacher or other adult at home. Remember that it’s always better to ask questions to keep yourself and others safe.

Keep personal information private

With your parent or carer, decide on what information should always stay private. This should include details like your address, phone number, school and even the names of your friends or family members. This would also include photos of you or others! Then, remember to never share that information with a chatbot.

Always think critically

No matter how you’re using a chatbot, remember to think critically. This includes when it comes to information you receive but also the type of chatbot you use. Just because your favourite platform has one, that doesn’t mean you should use it! Talk to a trusted adult and investigate before using something new.

How to think critically

Thinking critically about the information a chatbot shares can help you learn fact from fiction, and will help you make sure you’re not sharing incorrect information with others.

What to do when thinking critically about information

Check the source

Who created the information? Is it from a reliable source? If the chatbot doesn’t give the source, you’ll need to focus on the next actions more.

Look for evidence

Use a search engine or resources in your school library to find proof that the information is true. This could be news articles, encyclopedias or learning websites.

Consider the purpose

If you find evidence that the information is correct, double-check the source. If it’s from somewhere that’s unfamiliar or that you’re not sure about, think about the reason behind the information. Does it only give one point of view or does it show both sides? If it only gives one point of view, it might not be trustworthy.

Compare sources

Can you find the same information in more than one trustworthy place? Check if the sources are all saying the same thing. If the information is the same but how it’s said is different, then you can feel confident that it’s true. However, if all of the sources seem like the information is copied and pasted, you might need to check a little more.

Remember that AI chatbots can be fun and helpful, but it's important to use them responsibly and think critically about the information you find online. If you ever need another set of eyes, ask a trusted adult for help.