\n<\/p>\n
They also raised concerns about data privacy and how personal information shared with AI could be misused.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But rather than outright rejecting AI, both experts emphasised responsible use.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Assoc Prof Ang suggested encouraging children to seek information from multiple sources, including textbooks, teachers and peers.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Assoc Prof Swapna urged parents to watch for signs of over-reliance, such as children isolating themselves from real-world interactions and turning instead to devices.<\/p>\n
\u201cHave conversations with your child instead of ignoring those signs. Social connectedness is very important,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThese are skills that children need to learn for later in life: how to connect with people and have conversations. If that becomes derailed, then that is a concern.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Back in her consultation room, Assoc Prof Swapna also uses AI discussions as a teaching moment with her patients.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI use the opportunity to educate them about AI, some of the perils, what to look out for, and how to use AI more ethically,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAI is based on available data. So, (there may be) a lot of Western slant, because the published data is predominantly from the West, so they may not get the cultural nuances, etc.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ultimately, the experts agree that AI is here to stay, but its impact depends on how it is used.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cSociety has a role to play. It\u2019s important for people to understand \u2026 the possible harms that AI can cause,\u201d said Assoc Prof Ang, adding that over-reliance on AI for help can cause people to become more independent but lonely.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are social creatures. It’s okay to depend on others sometimes, to ask for help, rather than to be completely self-sufficient \u2013 that’s when loneliness and isolation come about.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n