As Christian parents, we are called to be wise stewards of the resources and opportunities that God has given us. This includes not only the physical resources we have been entrusted with, but also the powerful tools and technologies that are shaping our world today.
One of the most significant technological developments of our time is artificial intelligence (AI). AI is already being used in a wide range of applications, from self-driving cars, to virtual personal assistants, to medical diagnosis and treatment, and engaging entertainment for our children.
It is changing the way we work, learn, communicate, and even think about ourselves and our place in the world at a very rapid pace.
As homeschooling parents, we have a unique opportunity to help our children think deeply and critically about AI and its implications for our lives and society. By asking our teenagers thoughtful and thought-provoking questions about AI, we can help them develop the skills and insights they need to be wise and discerning users of these powerful technologies as they unfold before us.
Being persons themselves, I find teenagers like engaging questions that lead to a good conversation, not interrogation questions. None of us find it comfortable to be questioned, so the key to questions and good conversation is to make it as natural as possible. Both our boys protested at the length and the seeming formulaic list below… but when I asked them to consider if any of those questions were subjects we hadn’t talked about, they realized we have woven this subject matter into our every day conversations for weeks now.
While there is a lengthy list of questions below, I would suggest either picking one question as a starting point to weave into a conversation, or possibly handing the list to your teenager and letting them decide what direction the conversation will go in.
This is about exploring ideas. Their answers will reflect the ideas they have internalized the most deeply. Refrain from criticizing their answers to these questions.
Consider asking your teenager one of the following questions as a springboard for a beautiful and enriching conversation:
1. What do you think about the way AI is changing the world around us?
2. How can we make sure that AI is developed and used in a way that honors God and promotes justice and human dignity?
3. How can we balance the benefits of AI and technology with the potential risks and negative consequences?
4. How can we make sure we’re not inadvertently contributing to evil or injustice through our use of these tools?
5. In what ways can AI be used to serve and help others, and how can we ensure that we use them in a way that honors God?
6. How can we use AI with transparency and integrity?
7. What ethical concerns do you have about the use of AI?
8. How do you think we can ensure that AI is developed and used in a responsible way?
9. How do you think AI will impact the job market and what kind of jobs will still exist in the future?
10. How can we educate ourselves and others about the potential risks and negative consequences of AI, and what steps can we take to mitigate these risks?
11. What do you think are the benefits and drawbacks of using AI to make decisions for us?
12. How can we work together as a society to ensure that AI is being used for the benefit of all people, not just for the benefit of a few?
13. What are some ways in which you think AI could be used to make the world a better place?
14. How do you think AI will impact our privacy and personal data?
15. Have you ever thought about creating an AI-based solution to a real-world problem? If so, what kind of problem would you like to solve?
16. How can we be good stewards of the resources and opportunities that AI and technology offer, and use them for the glory of God and the good of others?
By engaging our teenagers in these kinds of conversations, we can help them develop the critical thinking skills, ethical awareness, and spiritual maturity they need to navigate the complex and rapidly-changing world of AI and advancing technology. We also get to flesh out our own ideas as we converse with them and the fresh perspective they offer to our potential stagnancy.
As Christian parents, it is our responsibility to help our children use these powerful tools in a way that honors God.
PS. Good conversations are always better with snacks.
This post is brought to you by my brain, my teenagers insights, and AI.
