The rapid global ascent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents a complex duality for Nigeria: a powerful tool for progress shadowed by significant societal risks, placing parents and educators on the frontlines as essential guardians.
The Promise and Peril of AI Technology
Artificial Intelligence, a system designed to mimic human cognitive functions, is no longer a distant concept. While its roots trace back to 1950s Europe and the term was coined by Stanford University's Professor John McCarthy in 1955, its integration into daily life has accelerated dramatically from 2012 to 2024. This period saw the rise of virtual assistants, advanced search engines, and the incorporation of image and Natural Language Processing (NLP) speech recognition.
AI's merits are transformative, offering cost reduction, improved safety, enhanced decision-making, and fraud detection. It streamlines recruitment in human resources and boosts productivity in educational settings. Globally, schools are under pressure to adopt AI, with teachers using it to support diverse learners, create assessments, and tailor lesson plans, as noted by education writer Lauraine Langreo.
However, the demerits are alarming. AI facilitates cyberbullying, sophisticated fraud, and mental health risks. It has displaced jobs and caused security breaches. A critical flaw is its inability to handle complex customer complaints or fully grasp nuanced human communication, struggling with idioms like 'cat got your tongue' and local slang.
The Alarming Rise of AI-Fueled Dangers: Sextortion and Beyond
One of the most sinister applications is sextortion, where predators use AI to extort money, often from vulnerable teenagers. According to the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), youths aged 11 to 17 are primary targets. U.S. crime figures report approximately 26,700 cases, linked to at least 27 suicides among boys, while UK police receive about 111 monthly reports of child sextortion attempts.
Tech expert Jean-Marie Valheur warns that AI-generated images and videos can ruin lives, stating, "You can basically make anyone say or do anything." This technology has also been used to exaggerate crisis situations like terrorism and kidnappings, spreading misinformation and eroding public trust.
In academia, over-reliance on AI stifles creativity and critical thinking, lures students into plagiarism, and creates a generation of dependent learners. Furthermore, the market is now seeing AI-generated products like plantains and eggs, designed to deceive unsuspecting consumers.
The Critical Role of Parents and Teachers as AI Minders
In this landscape, proactive monitoring by parents and teachers is non-negotiable. Many parents are either unaware of AI's dangers or have not enforced strict usage rules. Experts recommend several strategies:
- Using parental control tools, dashboards, and AI-specific usage reports to monitor device activity.
- Setting strict limits on daily screen time.
- Educating children on online ethics and the potential unreality of digital interactions.
- Engaging in consistent dialogue to understand children's online activities.
For educators, the mandate is clear. Teachers must preach responsible AI use, foster critical thinking, and ensure human collaboration remains central to learning. They should guide students on evaluating AI-generated content and verifying information from multiple sources. Reports indicate teacher integration of AI in lessons has risen from 40% to 60%.
The goal is to marry AI with human interaction, using it as a supportive tool rather than a replacement. Teachers should create engaging content that meets individual student needs, interests, and skills.
Tamsin McNally, Hotline Manager at the IWF, emphasizes the trauma victims face: "The sense of shame and fear... makes it so hard for them to speak out. We need to keep pushing the knowledge there is something they can do to take power away from the criminals."
Ultimately, as AI's presence grows, the vigilant roles of parents and teachers as primary minders become the most effective shield for Nigerian children and students navigating this new digital frontier.
