My latest at Forbes:
John Koetsier’s recent Forbes piece drops some eye-opening numbers: a staggering 89% of college students used ChatGPT for homework soon after its launch. But the real alarm bell rings for the kids who reflexively turn to AI before even attempting to solve problems themselves. This isn’t just about using technology; it’s about a fundamental shift in how we approach learning and challenges, pointing to a potential future where curiosity takes a backseat to convenience.
Code Ninjas CEO Navin Gurnaney sharply articulates this crucial distinction: the real divide isn’t between kids who use AI and those who don’t, but “between kids who consume AI and kids who build with it.” This means we need to empower the next generation not just to click prompts, but to genuinely understand the mechanics—how LLMs operate, how images are generated, what sensors do. This foundational knowledge is paramount.
Koetsier emphasizes that AI literacy isn’t a standalone skill, but rather sits atop a robust future-ready stack: critical thinking, logic, problem-solving, communication, adaptability, and grit. Being a passive consumer of AI puts one at a significant disadvantage, whereas knowing how to create and innovate with it positions you to lead. His advice for parents is clear: start early, get intimately familiar with AI, and embrace understanding over fear. The joy and empowerment are palpable, much like the 9-year-old in Georgia who, after earning the right to teach younger kids, enthusiastically declared, “I am sensei today!”