Adolescence is a phase marked by discoveries, identity formation and emotional vulnerabilities, especially under the constant gaze of social media. The series Adolescence, from Netflix, brings this portrait with sensitivity by showing the challenges faced by young people in the face of overexposure and digital pressure.
With social media being so much in the spotlight, one deserves particular attention: WhatsApp, consolidated as the main communication tool in Brazil, with approximately 169 million active users. Last year, when Meta's AI arrived at the messenger, a new alert also came: how to ensure safe and conscious use of technology in such a sensitive environment, especially for children and adolescents?
Meta's AI is capable of answering questions, give recommendations, search for news on topics of our interest on the web without leaving the app and generate images and small gifs for sharing, explain Pierre dos Santos, AI Analyst ofEast.
From the perspective of digital infrastructure, Lucas Rodrigues, communication manager of Leste, alert that the excessive exposure of teenagers on social media is exacerbated by open profiles and lack of privacy settings. Open profiles, without filters or privacy settings, leave these young people more exposed to unwanted approaches, blows, inappropriate content and even practices of emotional manipulation, say him.
He emphasizes that care starts even before opening the app: "Children and teenagers do not yet have the necessary repertoire to deal with everything the internet offers. That is why ensuring a secure foundation, with well-configured networks, updated devices and privacy enabled, it's not an exaggeration, is care.
Damsel or villain? It depends on the use
Even though AI does not have access to private conversations on WhatsApp and user data remains protected by the messenger's encryption, according to the AI documentation, the messages shared with the tool can be used to provide relevant answers for you or to improve this technology. Therefore, do not send messages containing information you do not want to share with the AI. At least, we can delete the messages sent to the AI by typing /reset-all-ais in the conversation, warn the analyst.
Pierre also says that AI is a powerful tool that can be useful in various contexts. However, it is essential to use with responsibility and care, always thinking about the security and privacy of personal data. For that, he shares some basic tips, however valuable, especially to teach children who are starting to have contact with technology
- Use AI as an auxiliary tool, not as a substitute for critical thinking;
- Use AI for tasks that you consider safe and without risk to your privacy, avoiding sharing personal or confidential information with the AI in the conversation;
- Avoid using AI to make important decisions;
- Research only on topics of general interest, avoiding sensitive or controversial topics.
