🤖 AI, AGI, & ASI: The 3 Levels of AI Every Parent & Educator Should Understand
AI is shaping the world our kids are growing up in. From the social media algorithms that keep them scrolling to AI chatbots they might already be talking to, artificial intelligence is becoming a bigger part of their daily lives. But not all AI is the same, and understanding the differences can help us guide kids to use technology safely and responsibly.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the three levels of AI—with simple examples:
1️⃣ AI (Artificial Intelligence) – The AI We Have Now
Think of AI like a smart tool that follows specific rules but doesn’t really “think” for itself.
✔ Example: Siri, Alexa, or ChatGPT—they can answer questions but don’t understand them the way a human does.
✔ Where Kids Interact With It: Social media feeds (TikTok, Instagram), online homework helpers, or voice assistants.
✔ Safety Concern: AI-generated deepfake images and videos can spread false information, manipulate emotions, or create inappropriate content.
2️⃣ AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) – Human-Level Thinking AI (Not Here Yet!)
AGI would be an AI that can truly think, learn, and problem-solve like a human across different subjects.
✔ Example: A robot that could learn math, write a novel, play sports, and diagnose diseases—all without extra programming.
✔ Why It Matters: If AGI is achieved, it could replace many jobs and significantly change how we interact with technology.
✔ Safety Concern: Future AGI could be used to create highly advanced chatbots or scams that are indistinguishable from humans—making it easier to manipulate kids online.
3️⃣ ASI (Artificial Superintelligence) – AI Smarter Than Humans (Theoretical Future)
ASI would be AI that surpasses human intelligence in every way.
✔ Example: An AI that cures all diseases, predicts future events, or designs technology beyond human comprehension.
✔ Why It Matters: It’s far in the future (if it ever happens), but discussions on ethics and control are already happening.
✔ Safety Concern: Bad actors could use AI to manipulate emotions, fake identities, or automate cyberattacks in ways we’ve never seen before.
How Can Parents & Educators Help?
🔹 Teach kids to question what they see online – Just because it looks real doesn’t mean it is. AI can create fake images, videos, and even voices.
🔹 Talk about AI-powered chatbots and online “friends” – Some kids are forming emotional bonds with AI-generated people. Help them understand that these “people” are just code and responses, not real relationships.
🔹 Encourage critical thinking – When they see a crazy video or shocking news, show them how to fact-check before believing or sharing.
🔹 Stay informed – AI is evolving fast, and so are the ways it can be misused. The more we know, the better we can guide kids to use it safely and wisely.
AI can be an incredible tool or a dangerous trap—it all depends on how it’s used and how prepared we are. Let’s keep learning together so we can help the next generation navigate this digital world safely! Here is a good read for more information on the levels of AI.
Stay informed,
Ryan