In China, a fascinating trend has emerged where parents are turning to AI technology to monitor their children's homework. This innovative approach has sparked both curiosity and controversy, leaving many wondering about its implications.
Imagine a scenario where a busy parent, like Ms. Lu, places her phone on her son's desk as he begins his homework. The camera is on, capturing every move. But here's where it gets interesting: a calm, artificial voice from the phone gently reminds the child to sit up straight, stop fidgeting, and work at a steady pace.
Ms. Lu, a journalist from Guangdong, isn't physically present, but her trusted AI assistant, Dola, is. Dola, developed by ByteDance, the company behind TikTok, acts as both a monitor and a tutor. With over 172 million monthly users, according to QuestMobile, this app is gaining popularity.
On social media, Ms. Lu shares light-hearted videos of her son's interactions with Dola, attracting thousands of views from fellow Chinese parents. But it's not just about convenience. As China's economy slows, families are reevaluating their education spending, and private tutoring, once common, is becoming less justifiable.
"Dola can keep an eye on him for me," Ms. Lu says. She's referring to the fear of raising a "rotten-tail kid," a popular Chinese meme describing jobless young adults despite years of educational investment.
Dola allows Ms. Lu to upload trusted parenting books and study materials, tailoring its guidance to her son's needs. It can even check his homework, explain incorrect answers, and generate similar questions based on his mistakes.
"It's like having my own parenting bible," Ms. Lu adds. "Now I can multi-task while he's studying."
But here's where it gets controversial: some parents, like Ms. Wu from Henan, use the app to avoid conflicts with their children. She and her husband found that sitting with their children during homework often led to frustration.
"My children behave better in front of AI. They think I talk too much," Ms. Wu says. She appreciates Dola's calm tone, a welcome contrast to the tension that can build between parents and children after a long day.
Dr. Qi Jing, an associate professor at RMIT University's Social Equity Research Centre, explains that AI's language is designed to be patient and encouraging. "If parents use AI as part of children's learning, they may be avoiding conflicts that need to be addressed," she warns. "[Children's] brains need conflict, struggle, and challenges to develop properly."
For parents like Ms. Lu, AI remains a tool, used judiciously. She limits Dola's prompts to avoid distracting her son. "I only use it when I'm too busy... If I have time, I still prefer to sit with him," she says, expressing concerns about emotional reliance.
Elaine Zhou, a Shanghai-based mother working in international education, allows her sons to use AI tools for homework but remains cautious. She has concerns about overuse, privacy, and exposure to inappropriate content.
"For children, AI is highly efficient and easy to use, but it can also reduce the thinking process," Ms. Zhou cautions.
Experts emphasize the importance of clear boundaries. Dr. Qi Jing believes AI lacks the contextual understanding to replace parental or teacher supervision. Jeannie Paterson, co-director of the Centre for AI and Digital Ethics at the University of Melbourne, suggests AI products for children should include usage time limits, age-appropriate language, and safeguards against harmful content.
Professor Paterson warns that excessive AI interaction could weaken children's engagement with the real world and hinder social skill development. "Developers should monitor performance carefully for signs that the AI is not aligned with the child's best interests," she advises.
She also stresses the importance of not personifying AI, reminding us that "AI is a tool, not a friend. It can assist, but it does not care or love the child."
So, what do you think? Is AI a helpful tool or a potential hindrance in a child's education? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
