Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have been happening rapidly in recent years. AI platforms can now perform tasks, have realistic conversations, assist with writing and research, and make creative pursuits like art and music-making easier.
While there are a lot of predictions about how AI will impact societies in the future, this project challenges teens to dig into what’s happening in the present day.
How is AI showing up in your life at school, at home, and with your friends? How do young people feel about these changes? What should adults know about how young people are navigating the ever-changing world of AI?
This assignment challenges teens to explore how artificial intelligence is shaping their lives. What do you use AI for, and how do you feel about it?
NOTE: Watch SRL’s LEVEL-UP TUTORIAL SERIES before you begin filming
Tell your own story: Review this short tutorial on how to film using your smartphone, and this tutorial about how to record a video diary. Have a plan before you record, but don’t read directly from a script.
Example questions to think about: Do you use AI on a regular basis, if so, what for? How does it make you feel? What do you like or dislike about it? What’s been interesting or surprising to you? Do you feel like you have enough knowledge about emerging AI technologies to use them effectively? How does AI affect your thoughts about careers?
Tell a story about someone else: Talk to a friend or peer. Make a story about how this person uses AI on a regular basis and discuss how they feel about it. Use broll of this person to enhance your storytelling.
Extension activity: Explore emerging research about how young people are interacting with AI and interview someone who studies how teens use it and its effects. Approximately 70 percent of teens have used at least one type of generative AI tool, according to a recent report by Common Sense Media. The Pew Research Center has also surveyed teens on how they feel about AI and found more than half think it’s acceptable to use chatbots, like ChatGPT, to do research for schoolwork, while far fewer think it’s okay to use it to write an essay. Some are using AI for companionship or in place of therapy for mental health issues.
For student stories to be considered for publication on national and local platforms, students must pitch a story idea, and if accepted, collaborate with SRL staff on production and edits. This will include a process of receiving feedback from SRL staff and making multiple edits and revisions, which may take several weeks/months, depending on the story. Learn more about pitching your story idea here.
4-6 Weeks