Artificial Intelligence: My Favorite Friend
Artificial intelligence is not just about simplifying solutions and homework; it has become the preferred companion for children, and this is highly concerning. I am not against everything that advances humanity and facilitates education and awareness, but misuse is the problem. Today, when a girl or boy faces a problem or gets into trouble, they turn to artificial intelligence either out of fear of telling the truth to their parents, lack of confidence in seeking their advice, or because their parents are constantly preoccupied with them. With the advancement of AI tools, teenagers can now open a chat window and type things they find difficult to say aloud. An initial study published in recent research highlighted adolescents’ use of AI companions, with emotional support emerging as a prominent theme. Although these findings cannot be generalized, they invite reflection: Do our children feel they have a safe space at home to express what they feel? We may love our children deeply, but love must be shown in how we receive their words. When a teenager begins to speak, and we interrupt with a lecture, compare their experience to our own, or dismiss what upset them, they may hesitate to come to us again. Listening is a parenting skill that requires training. We should delay judgment, let them finish, and ask: “What upset you the most?” or “Do you want me to listen, or shall we think of a solution together?” These questions give them a chance to understand their feelings and give us a chance to understand them. Understanding their feelings does not mean agreeing with all their actions. We can acknowledge their emotions, then calmly discuss their behavior. We can say: “I understand you’re angry, and I want us to find a way for you to express your anger without harming yourself or others.” In this way, they learn that feelings can be expressed, and that actions carry responsibility. It is also useful for us to reflect on our own presence. How many times has one of our children started talking while our eyes were glued to our phones? How many times have we promised to listen later, only for the day to pass? Change can begin with ten minutes a day when we put our devices aside and give them our full attention, without rapid-fire questions or hasty advice. Weeks into the school year, our children need support that goes beyond homework and sleep schedules. They need a relationship that gives them the courage to say: “I’m upset,” “I didn’t understand,” and “I need your help.” Let us give them this start: when life becomes heavy for a teenager, let them find someone who turns to look at them, an ear that listens, and a heart that makes room for their story. Those who feel heard become better equipped to understand themselves, seek help, and face their day with confidence. Nadi Muhallal Al-Madfai
