AI and Teen Emotional Health

angel narcisse design editor As AI tools like ChatGPT and Snapchat’s virtual assistant become a part of teens’ everyday lives, educators and mental health professionals raise concerns about its long-term effects on emotional well-being. Data shows that most teens believe that AI won’t negatively impact their mental health, according to a survey conducted by Education Week. With many students referring to it as a tool that can provide convenient answers without the pressure of a real conversation.  A group of Thibodaux High School juniors shared a range of opinions on AI’s role in emotional support. While some found the “synthetic environment” of AI appealing, others pointed out its shortcomings.   “It’ll reword the same thing, but it’s just surface-level answers,” says Claire Bolton, a junior at Thibodaux High School.  “AI can’t have true empathy, and it can lead to potentially harmful or non-helpful advice, especially since chatbots aren’t trained to handle serious mental health issues.” Kim Thompson, LCSW Kim Thompson, a Thibodaux-based licensed clinical social worker, says AI could foster a “false sense of belonging,” misleading teens into thinking they’re building meaningful connections when they’re only engaging with algorithms. “AI can’t have true empathy, and it can lead to potentially harmful or non-helpful advice, especially since chatbots aren’t trained to handle serious mental health issues,” she says. Although Thompson acknowledges that AI has potential benefits by introducing users to tools like mindfulness and breathing exercises, it could complement human-led support. But she says it’s all about balance, recommending that teens “use it cautiously and in tandem with professional support.” AI on the brain AI effects on teen mental health High School Students AI Impact on mental health over the next decade Educators AI Impact on mental health over the next decade EdWeek Research Center survey, 2024 Educator responses from a January 2024 survey of teachers, school leaders, and district leaders. The chart for students shows responses to a March 2024 survey of high school students

AI Pervasive In Everyday Life

lance jones staff People engage with AI in their daily routines, from online banking to classroom lessons — unknowingly benefiting from its efficiency and speed like simple text message correction, navigation assistance, or personalized customer service. “It’s really impressive how AI can offer suggestions, correct our grammar, or even choose an emoji that fits our mood without us thinking twice,” says Michelle Caruso, Vice President of Student Affairs at Nicholls. “I use Google Maps to navigate my way to work every day and I never really thought about it being AI, but it’s literally guiding me to the most efficient route using real-time data.” “I use Google Maps to navigate my way to work every day and I never really thought about it being AI, but it’s literally guiding me to the most efficient route using real-time data.” Michelle Caruso, Vice President of Student Affairs at Nicholls   Charleston Rainey Jr., a safety management major at Nicholls, says AI enhanced customer service when he experienced a fraud incident with his online banking. “Instead of waiting hours for a human representative I was able to get the next steps within minutes,” says Rainey Jr. “The bot escalated the issue and set up an in-person visit rather than going through all the steps on the phone. It really sped up the process.” Rainey Jr. says the shift from human to AI-driven service is a growing trend in the banking sector, where AI handles initial inquiries and directs customers to the appropriate channels, saving time and reducing frustration. Jaiden Valure, a secondary education student at Nicholls, says that many teachers now use AI tools to help with curriculum development. “AI can offer lesson ideas, multiple teaching pathways, and suggestions that a teacher may not have thought of,” Valure says. Tools like ChatGPT assist educators in creating more engaging, diverse lesson plans, allowing them to focus on individualized student support. Valure pointed out that AI should remain a tool, not a substitute for human effort. “AI is great for helping with planning or understanding content, but it shouldn’t replace the human element in education,” Valure says. Rainy Jr. says while AI has many benefits, there is still a generational divide in its adoption. Younger people have grown up with technology and are more likely to embrace AI. However, older generations may struggle with the transition, especially when it comes to replacing face-to-face interactions with digital assistance. “It’s a challenge at first, but once they experience how quickly things get done, they’ll see the value,” Rainey Jr. says. “Older adults may initially be frustrated by the shift, but once they see the efficiency and convenience of AI, they will become more accepting.” ai tools by the numbers Top 10 AI Tools by Monthly Traffic Based on traffic volume from August 2024. Number rounded to the nearest million Data from Semrush and Similarweb, two reliable keyword research and web analytics platforms. AI Tools by Popular Task from AIxploria Image Generators MidJourney V6.1 Adobe Firefly 3 Stable Diffusion 3.5 Leonardo Ai FLUX.1 Ideogram 2.0 Recraft V3 Freepik DALL·E 3 Krea.ai Image Generators MidJourney V6.1 Adobe Firefly 3 Stable Diffusion 3.5 Leonardo Ai FLUX.1 Ideogram 2.0 Recraft V3 Freepik DALL·E 3 Krea.ai Writing & Web SEO Rytr QuillBot Undetectable AI ContentShake AI WriteSonic Free AI Content Writer Jasper GPTZero Paraphrasing Tool LanguageTool AI Chat & Assistant ChatGPT Claude AI Gemini AI Microsoft Copilot Grok by xAI Poe Meta AI ChatSonic Le Chat by Mistral AI Pi AI Education/Studies Perplexity AI Globe Explorer AI Poe QuillBot ChatPDF Notion AI FireFlies Deepl Coursera QuizLet AI Detection PimEyes Undetectable AI FaceCheck ID GPTZero Originality AI ZeroGPT Copyleaks Lenso.ai StealthGPT GeoSpy.ai Life Assistants Microsoft Copilot BeforeSunset AI AI HairStyles Roast Dating Ask Layla Tattoos AI Shop.app Recipes by AI Rewind AI Tripplanner AI Research & Science Perplexity AI WolframAlpha Consensus Scite.ai Liner AI Semantic Scholar Jenny AI Human or AI Tree of Knowledge AI SciSpace AI Writer The Future 5 AI about to hit the market and the latest advances Sora by Open AI a model capable of generating 60-second videos from simple text prompts Meta Movie Gen a powerful model for generating high-quality sound videos. Emote Portrait Alive give an image of a character to  generate a video where the character speaks Adobe Firefly Video a model for video creation and editing. See full, current list

Detecting AI

philip landry staff As Artificial Intelligence becomes more a part of our digital lives, more questions arise about its role in media and how to accurately detect it. While AI can enhance user experiences, distinguishing between human and AI-created content is increasingly vital.  AI tools help businesses, influencers, and brands save time by producing posts, comments, and even images at scale. AI is used to keep content flowing, tailor posts for audiences, and can even spread misinformation. As AI grows more accessible, so does the challenge of identifying its presence online.  According to the BBC, the best ways for someone to detect and identify AI in media is to pay attention to details, or to do a reverse image search. Similarly, an article put out by the Sante Fe Community College says to look for distorted imagery and watermarks, or to read the comments as AI can sometimes mimic human interaction to farm views, but it isn’t perfect. The most direct way to identify AI as well as misinformation in the media may be just thinking and observing for oneself.  “We’ve always had people who manipulate the story to serve their agenda,” says Dr. Linda Martin, assistant professor of mass communication, “So maybe just old fashioned critical thinking or having a discerning eye… Knowing what good writing is.”  “…just old fashioned critical thinking or having a discerning eye and knowing what good writing is.” linda martin, assistant professor of mass communication AI influence isn’t limited to social media. Customer service and video content are increasingly AI driven. Many companies are using chatbots to field customer questions, and often rely on pre-set answers, which is why some responses feel automated. In the film industry AI is powering Deep Fakes technology mostly used to alleviate costs in using computer graphics to change the way an actor looks.  “Deep Fake AI use in movies is now being used to have a character age or be younger and it’s the same person,” says Melissa Remark, assistant professor of English, “In the past the CGI would have been really expensive and with Deep Fake AI technology it’s speeding that up.”  As AI becomes more integrated into social media and our daily lives developing an eye for what’s real versus artificial is essential. Recognizing the patterns of AI-generated content and using verification tools can make it easier to identify content made with AI and understand a changing digital environment. AI image generated in Photoshop from the prompt, “louisiana state flag over a bayou at night with a full moon.” Student at Nicholls State University using AI on social media. Sophomore chemistry major Dylan Biffle uses AI to edit audio in the KNSU radio editing lab.

AI Challenging to Some Disciplines

lance jones staff At Nicholls State University, the discussion around AI has sparked a range of opinions among faculty members, but some disciplines, like those in liberal arts, are finding it challenging to integrate this emerging technology. “I’m not someone who’s instinctively anti-AI, I think that it’s a really important tool,” says Erick Piller, assistant professor of English and co-director of the writing program at Nicholls. “But as a professor, it’s obvious that it’s not useful for students to simply plug in an assignment prompt into AI and get a paper output.” “It’s obvious that it’s not useful for students to simply plug in an assignment prompt into AI and get a paper output.” Erick Piller, assistant professor of English Disciplines like English, political science, and history at Nicholls State University are grappling with the implications of AI on academic integrity and student engagement. Faculty members, like Piller, express concern that reliance on AI tools may lead to increased academic dishonesty and undermine the critical thinking skills essential to their fields. As educators push to adapt their teaching methods to include AI, they emphasize the need for students to continue traditional practices with their work to continue learning and for personal growth. Piller says the goal of assignments is not simply to produce a final product but to foster student development.  “If they’re sidestepping that by using a large language model to write for them, then that obviously defeats the entire purpose of the educational experience,” he says. Dr. Michelle Theriot, interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts and an associate professor of English, says educators noticed an increase in academic dishonesty linked to AI tools. “I have kind of a bad taste in my mouth when it comes to AI,” Theriot says. “I understand that it can be used for a lot of wonderful things; however, I’ve seen it used more for cheating.”  Samuel Sprunk, an assistant professor of political science, says as AI continues to evolve, educational institutions must adapt carefully. “AI is a powerful tool, but it should not replace critical thinking and problem-solving skills,” says Sprunk. “We need to focus on developing students, not just training them.” “AI is a powerful tool, but it should not replace critical thinking and problem-solving skills. We need to focus on developing students, not just training them.” Samuel Sprunk, assistant professor of political science The implications of AI misuse extend beyond individual assignments; they pose a challenge to the integrity of educational assessments. Piller says the essence of writing involves critical thinking and personal engagement, which AI-generated content often lacks.  “When students use AI to generate ideas, they’re not fully engaging with the work that’s expected of them,” Pillar says. “They’re missing out on a significant part of the writing process.” Educators are also grappling with how to incorporate AI into their teaching style, while also facing a generational shift in how students approach learning. Students often see AI as a means to streamline their work, leading to a passive learning experience.  Piller says while AI has its shortcomings, it also presents an opportunity for educators to innovate.  “There are incredible tools, but they’re not perfect,” he says. “We need to teach students how to use AI effectively and ethically, understanding both its capabilities and limitations.” As the conversation around AI continues to evolve, Sprunk remains hopeful that educators will find ways to harness its potential. “Ultimately, we want students to leave with skills that make them irreplaceable in the workforce,” says Sprunk. “It is not just about convenience; it’s about growth and development.” But Theriot says it’s not just about students adapting — the challenge lies in adapting traditional teaching methods to a rapidly evolving landscape. “We can’t just keep doing what we’ve always done,” Theriot says. “We have to recognize the fact that students have caught up with this technology and think about new approaches.” the point podcast smart talk

AI @ Nicholls State University

lance jones staff As artificial intelligence becomes more and more a part of daily life, universities are grappling with how to integrate machine learning without losing academic integrity. “AI, like the Internet, social media, and search engines are all great inventions that benefit societies that can also cause great harm,” says Megan Lowe, library director at Northwestern State University. “If a student can’t analyze a text without a chatbot, what does that say about their education?”  “If a student can’t analyze a text without a chatbot, what does that say about their education?” Megan Lowe, library director @ Northwestern State University Student use of AI to help learn and do school work has outpaced faculty use. According to a June 2024 Pearson report, 51 percent of spring 2024 semester college students said AI helped them get better grades and 56 percent said AI helped them be more efficient. Meanwhile, a June 2024 survey of faculty showed that while 66 percent are familiar with AI, only about 14 percent are confident in their ability to use AI in the classroom, according to Ithaka S+R, a higher education consulting firm. In addition, 42 percent of faculty surveyed say they don’t allow students to use AI at all in their courses. As artificial intelligence tools become more advanced and easier to access, students say they are finding new ways to use them for their schoolwork. “When I first heard about AI chatbots, I thought they were overhyped, but now, I can’t imagine school without using these tools for brainstorming or research,” says David Johnson, a former University of New Orleans computer science major. On the other hand, some professors are concerned that the reliance on AI could diminish students’ critical thinking skills. To tackle the challenges posed by AI, many institutions are focusing on developing their faculty’s understanding of these technologies.  “Universities should be holding workshops to educate professors and university officials on the basics of AI by viewing technology as a partner in education rather than something to fear,” says Meredith King, assistant director of teaching innovation at the University of New Orleans. “We can improve the overall learning experience.”  This approach is used to change the conversation from simply banning AI to exploring its potential, allowing educators to establish clear guidelines while promoting creative ways to use AI, King says. At the same time, many business departments at universities are working to find a middle ground — leveraging AI’s capabilities, while upholding academic integrity.  “We’re not advocating for students to let AI take the place of their own ideas, instead we want them to use it to enhance their creative thinking,” says Lowe at Northwestern State University. “As future professionals they will likely collaborate with AI and it’s important that we teach them how to do so in a responsible manner.” the point podcast smart talk The Tillou Chatbot at Nicholls State University uses AI to answers student questions. Dr. Juliann Allen, marketing professor, teaches AI.

Circuit’s Soundtrack

gabrielle chaisson staff A song list made up of 10 notable Chitlin’ Circuit artists from the ’50s and ’60s and their highest-rated Billboard R&B hits, which tracked the success of Black artists among Black audiences. Billboard charts have measured radio sales and jukebox successes since the 1940s. The “Race Records” chart highlighted music targeted at black audiences until 1950, when Billboard renamed it Rhythm and Blues, aka R&B. Source: https://exhibitions.lib.umd.edu/fatsdomino/legacy/charts Popular circuit performer Guitar Slim released his hit “The Things That I Used To Do” in 1953. In 1954, it spent 21 weeks on the Billboard R&B charts and 14 weeks at number one on the “Most Played in Juke Boxes” list. Ray Charles, another popular circuit performer, played the piano on this record. Source: https://blues.org/blues_hof_inductee/the-things-that-i-used-to-do-guitar-slim-specialty-1953/ Following the success of Tutti Frutti in 1955, Little Richard released “Long Tall Sally” the following year. This record peaked at number one on the “Billboard Rhythm and Blues Best Sellers” chart. This song became Little Richard’s first number-one R&B hit. Source: https://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/little-richard-biography-and-career-timeline/27612/ Source: https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/little-richards-best-moments-songs-movies-9374735/ Fats Domino’s 1956 version of “Blueberry Hill” dominated the R&B charts for 11 weeks and held the number two spot on the pop charts for three weeks, making it a hit with both black and white audiences. Source: https://www.loc.gov/static/programs/national-recording-preservation-board/documents/Blueberry-Hill_DeWitt.pdf Source: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/fats-domino-12-essential-songs-116967/aint-that-a-shame-1955-117550/ Ike and Tina Turner’s 1960 Billboard hit “A Fool In Love” held the number two spot on the “Hot R&B Sides” chart and peaked at number 27 on the “Hot 100” chart. It served as the duo’s first Billboard charting single. Source: https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/tina-turner-hot-100-hits-favorite-song-poll-1235340447/ Sam Cooke released his Billboard hit “Bring It On Home To Me” in 1962. It spent 18 weeks on the Billboard R&B chart and peaked at number two. He received a Grammy nomination for “Best Rhythm and Blues Recording” with this record. Source: https://www.billboard.com/artist/sam-cooke/ Source: https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/grammys-2022-sam-cookes-music-nominated-1235010070/ Ray Charles’ 1962 hit “I Can’t Stop Loving You” spent 16 weeks on the Billboard R&B charts. It peaked at number one and held that spot for 10 weeks. Charles released this song as part of his country album, Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music. Source: https://www.billboard.com/artist/ray-charles/chart-history/hsi/ Source: https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/ray-charles-tops-charts/ Slim Harpo released his hit “Baby Scratch My Back” in 1966. It peaked at number one on the Billboard R&B chart for two weeks and stayed on the chart for 18 weeks. His music’s impact expanded beyond blues into rock n’ roll with remakes of The Rolling Stones and Grateful Dead. Source: https://www.billboard.com/artist/slim-harpo/ Source: https://westbatonrougemuseum.org/277/James-Slim-Harpo-Moore Aretha Franklin’s 1967 reimagining of Otis Redding’s song “Respect” stayed on Billboard’s R&B charts for 15 weeks and spent eight of those weeks at number one. It became an anthem for women’s empowerment and appealed to black and white audiences during the Civil Rights Movement. Source: https://www.billboard.com/artist/aretha-franklin/chart-history/bsi/ Source: https://www.biography.com/musicians/aretha-franklin-respect-meaning James Brown released his hit “Cold Sweat” in 1967. It peaked at number one on Billboard’s R&B charts and held the spot for three weeks. Credited with creating a new genre of music, Brown blended soul with funk. Source: https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2015/oct/28/james-brown-10-of-the-best Otis Redding’s 1968 (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay posthumous album remained on the Billboard R&B charts for 37 weeks and held the number one spot for three weeks. His song of the same title became the “first posthumous number-one record in chart history.” Source: https://www.billboard.com/artist/otis-redding/chart-history/blp/ Source: https://americansongwriter.com/the-dock-of-the-bay-otis-redding-behind-the-song/