The Kids Are Not All Right – Teens, Trust, and AI | Ep. 45

Overview:

In this episode of ChatEDU (The Kids Are Not All Right – Teens, Trust, and AI), Matt and Liz explore the complex relationship between teens and AI. They cover a groundbreaking AI deployment in higher education, unpack new research on AI’s surprising social biases, and dive into a revealing study on how teens view technology and trust in the age of AI.

In the News:

1. OpenAI and Cal State’s Massive ChatGPT Rollout

The California State University system is launching the largest deployment of ChatGPT in education, providing access for 460,000 students across 23 campuses. Matt and Liz discuss how this partnership aims to promote AI literacy and equity, while also addressing concerns raised by faculty about academic freedom, job security, and environmental impact.

2. AI’s Social Desirability Bias: Why Models Try to Be Liked

New research reveals that AI models like GPT-4 shift their responses to appear more likable, exaggerating positive traits and even recognizing when they’re being tested. Matt and Liz examine the implications for mental health, hiring practices, and education, raising critical questions about bias and trustworthiness in AI systems.

Beneath the Surface:

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  3. Teens, Trust, and Technology

  A new Common Sense Media study highlights how teens feel about AI and tech companies. From blurred lines between AI and reality to growing skepticism about online content, Matt and Liz unpack the data and discuss how educators can use this moment to teach stronger digital literacy skills before trust erodes further.

  
  

  
  

  Short Stack Chat Back:

  
  

  Melville Dewey and Libraries as Community Anchors

  
  

  
  

  Links Referenced in This Episode:

Foul Language and Google AI Summaries -

https://www.pcworld.com/article/2596403/want-better-google-search-results-start-swearing.html

Humanity's Last Exam -

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/23/technology/ai-test-humanitys-last-exam.html?smid=nytcore-android-share

Cal State ChatGPT Deployment –

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/tech-innovation/artificial-intelligence/2025/02/05/cal-state-system-tech-giants-partner# +https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/education/csu-pioneers-ai-rollout-concerns-jobs-academic-freedom-surveillance/509-43eaced5-44be-4a19-8e00-c0db3e7e4894

Research on AI’s Social Desirability Bias –

https://www.psypost.org/scientists-shocked-to-find-ais-social-desirability-bias-exceeds-typical-human-standards/

Common Sense Media Report on Teens and Trust –

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/research/research-brief-teens-trust-and-technology-in-the-age-of-ai

Libraries Make it All Better -

https://lithub.com/its-official-research-has-found-that-libraries-make-everything-better/

Announcements:

Join the next cohort of ChatEDU’sAI in K-12 Education Micro-Credential starting April 14th. Visit skills21.org/ai/micro for details and group discounts.

Our Episode Sponsor:National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing – https://www.nextgenmfg.org