Adolescence is a phase marked by discoveries, identity formation, and emotional vulnerabilities, especially under the constant scrutiny of social media. The Netflix series "Adolescence" sensitively portrays this, showing the challenges faced by young people in the face of overexposure and digital pressure.
With social media being such a hot topic, one deserves particular attention: WhatsApp, established as the main communication tool in Brazil, with approximately 169 million active users. Last year, when Meta's AI arrived on the messaging app, a new warning also emerged: how to ensure safe and conscious use of technology in such a sensitive environment, especially for children and teenagers?
“Meta’s AI is capable of answering questions, giving recommendations, searching for news on topics of interest to us on the web without leaving the app, and generating images and small GIFs for sharing,” explains Pierre dos Santos, AI Analyst at Leste .
From a digital infrastructure standpoint, Lucas Rodrigues, communications manager at Leste, warns that the excessive exposure of teenagers on social media is exacerbated by open profiles and a lack of privacy settings. "Open profiles, 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 emphasizes that care begins even before opening the app: “Children and teenagers don’t yet have the necessary skills to deal with everything the internet offers. That’s why ensuring a secure foundation, with well-configured networks, updated devices, and privacy enabled, is not an exaggeration, it’s a form of care.”
Good girl or villain? It depends on the context.
Even though the AI doesn't have access to private WhatsApp conversations and user data remains protected by the messenger's encryption, according to the AI's documentation, messages shared with the tool can be used to provide relevant answers to you or to improve this technology. "Therefore, don't send messages containing information you don't want to share with the AI. At the very least, we can delete messages sent to the AI by typing /reset-all-ais in the conversation," the analyst warns.
Pierre also says that AI is a powerful tool that can be useful in various contexts. However, it is essential to use it responsibly and carefully, always keeping in mind the security and privacy of personal data. To that end, he shares some basic, yet valuable tips, especially for teaching children who are beginning to interact with technology:
- Use AI as a tool to assist, not as a substitute for critical thinking;
- Use AI for tasks that you consider safe and without risk to your privacy, avoiding sharing personal or confidential information with the AI in the conversation;
- Avoid using AI to make important decisions;
- Search only for topics of general interest, avoiding sensitive or controversial subjects.
