What we fear is not that children will become smarter with AI, but rather that they may experience brain rot, where their brains are not used optimally and everything depends on AI,Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria has emphasized the importance of improving digital literacy among parents and teachers to prevent children from becoming overly dependent on artificial intelligence (AI)-based platforms and tools.
Nezar said that children exposed to AI-based platforms from an early age risk becoming dependent on the technology, which could reduce their ability to think critically.
"What we fear is not that children will become smarter with AI, but rather that they may experience brain rot, where their brains are not used optimally and everything depends on AI," he said in a press statement received on Sunday.
He underlined that strengthening the digital literacy of parents and teachers is essential to mitigate the negative impacts of AI technology on children’s cognitive development.
Parents and teachers with adequate digital and AI literacy, he said, will be better equipped to guide and accompany children in using technology wisely and according to their needs.
While receiving representatives from the Indonesia AI Institute at the Ministry’s office in Central Jakarta on Thursday (November 6), Nezar expressed appreciation for the institute’s initiative to raise public awareness of the risks associated with the unwise use of new technologies.
He noted that collaboration between the ministry and related institutions is necessary to support digital talent development in the AI field and to enhance public understanding of digital technology and artificial intelligence.
To support this goal, the ministry has implemented several programs, including the AI Talent Factory.
"Our goal is to prepare AI talent that meets global standards and ensure they become developers, not merely users. We must also build an ecosystem that can fully utilize their potential," Nezar said.
In addition to developing digital talent, the government is preparing regulations to ensure that the implementation of AI technology in Indonesia is conducted ethically and responsibly.
The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs has issued Circular Letter Number 9 of 2023 concerning AI Ethics. The government is also drafting a National AI Roadmap and a Presidential Regulation on AI Ethics.
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Translator: Yoanita Hastryka Djohan
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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