How to use WhatsApp AI safely and responsibly

Adolescence is a phase marked by discoveries, identity formation and emotional vulnerabilities, especially under the constant gaze of social networks.The Adolescence series, from Netflix, brings this portrait with sensitivity by showing the challenges faced by young people in the face of overexposure and digital pressure.

With social networks so much on the agenda, one deserves particular attention: WhatsApp, consolidated as the main communication tool in Brazil, with approximately 169 million active users.Last year, when Meta AI reached the messenger, there was also a new alert: how to ensure a safe and conscious use of technology in such a sensitive environment, especially for children and adolescents?

“A Meta AI is able to answer questions, give recommendations, search for news on topics of our interest on the web without leaving the app and generate images and small gifs for sharing”, explains Pierre dos Santos, AI Analyst at East.

From the point of view of digital infrastructure, Lucas Rodrigues, communications manager of Leste, warns that the excessive exposure of adolescents in networks is aggravated by open profiles and lack of privacy settings.“Perfis open, without filters or privacy settings, leave these young people more exposed to unwanted approaches, scams, inappropriate content and even practices of emotional manipulation”, he says.

He reinforces that care begins even before opening the application: “Children and adolescents still do not have the necessary repertoire to deal with everything that the internet offers. That is why ensuring a secure base, with well-configured networks, updated devices and privacy activated, is not an exaggeration, is a” care.

Girl or villain?Depends on use

Even if AI does not have access to private conversations on WhatsApp and user data remains protected by messenger encryption, according to AI documentation, messages shared with the tool can be used to provide relevant answers to you or to improve this technology. “Sofore, do not send messages containing information you do not want to share with AI. At least, we can delete messages sent to AI by typing /reset-all-ais into the” conversation, warns the analyst.

Pierre also says that AI is a powerful tool that can be useful in various contexts. However, it is essential to use responsibly and carefully, always thinking about the security and privacy of personal data.For this, he shares some basic but valuable tips, especially to teach children who are beginning to have contact with technology:

• Use AI as an auxiliary tool, not as a substitute for critical thinking;
• Use AI for tasks you consider safe and without risk to your privacy, avoiding sharing personal or sensitive information with AI in conversation;
• Avoid using AI to make important decisions;
• Research only on topics of general interest, avoiding sensitive or controversial subjects.