More than 40 percent of high school students have AI friends or know someone who does, according to a recent survey. What does this phenomenon mean for how students and teachers view the AI tools used in education. What are the risks and potential benefits of turning to a bot for companionship? Hear from a researcher who has studied AI friends, and from a college dean who developed an unexpected relationship with a bot.

Learning Curve

[email protected] (Jeffrey Hall, Christa Davis Acampora, Jeff Young)

Why Do So Many Students Have AI Friends?

DEC 9, 202544 MIN
Learning Curve

Why Do So Many Students Have AI Friends?

DEC 9, 202544 MIN

Description

"1 in 5 high schoolers has had a romantic AI relationship, or knows someone who has," NPR. 

“How many hours does it take to make a friend?,” research by this week’s guest Jeff Hall.

“Chatbots Can Go Into a Delusional Spiral. Here’s How It Happens,” in The New York Times.

Talk out the Thomas Jefferson chatbot discussed on this episode.

“Programmed for Love,” an article I wrote for The Chronicle of Higher Education about Sherry Turkle’s work back in 2011.