In the hallways of Hill, it’s almost impossible not to hear someone talk about ChatGPT, TikTok edits, Instagram, or the latest viral trend sparked by a mysterious algorithm. Artificial intelligence and social media have become woven into the fabric of many of our daily lives. However, the question is, what does that mean for us, students growing up in a digital world that’s evolving faster than we scroll?
AI tools are everywhere, helping with homework, writing code, and even assisting with daily things like making playlists. Some students at Hill also use ChatGPT to help them brainstorm essay ideas or study for tests.
“Chat GPT is game-changing. I use it to help me generate mock tests, understand hard concepts, and review for my finals.” Luca Hoffman, a 3rd former, said.
However, not everyone is on board. Teachers have expressed concern about plagiarism and the loss of critical thinking skills. The head of the communication office, Townsend Zeigler, head of communications office, also expressed the importance of using AI to supplement learning rather than replace it, “There is this difference between thinking, writing, and nuisance writing.”
Meanwhile, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and WhatsApp continue to shape how we present ourselves. For some, it’s creative, inspiring, and a way to relieve oneself from pressures. However, for others, they may become the pressure.
“You see people’s mental health drop tremendously because now they’re judging themselves against all of these strangers on the internet,” Townsend Zeigler, Director of Communicsations, said, “But is the life a particular person represents on the internet true?”
Social media algorithms, powered by AI push content that keeps us glued to our screens. While that can be entertaining, it also affects mental health.
According to Dr. R. Sankar, published via Research Gate, “Out of 100 students, 11 students were getting highly addicted to social media, 30 students moderately addicted to social media.”
“AI will affect every product and every service that we have,” says Tim Cook, CEO of Apple. In modern times, AI drastically reshapes the landscape of social media. Algorithms powered by AI analyze great amounts of data in real time to predict what content will go viral, personalize users’ feeds, and keep them engaged for long periods. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram rely greatly on AI to recommend videos and posts accordingly to the users’ preferences.
Elon Musk said, “Algorithms are manipulating your brain without you even knowing it. You’re being programmed.” AI is establishing trends and creating feeds. However, is it completely detrimental?
So, answering the question, is it all doom and gloom? No, not necessarily. AI can boost creativity, personalize learning, and open completely new opportunities. Social media helps us stay connected and informed. But both need to be used thoughtfully. However, both should be used thoughtfully. It is important to strike a balance between using AI and letting AI use one.
As the lines between the real world and the digital world become increasingly blurry, one thing is clear: the future is here, and it is impacting every single one of us. While AI and social media bring challenges, they also offer significant help and useful tools —only if people learn to use them wisely.