An AI expert has warned parents not to let their children use the newly launched Grok 4 or other top intelligent models as they can damage kids’ cognitive and critical thinking capabilities.
Devan Leos, former Disney star turned AI entrepreneur and CEO of Undetectable AI, a platform with over 15 million users, says Grok 4 is now the most intelligent model in the world, and, according to Elon Musk, “more intelligent than almost all graduate students in all disciplines simultaneously“. Parents should ban kids from using AI chatbots for critical thinking tasks until the kids develop their problem-solving abilities.
The model released by Elon Musk’s AI company, xAI, shows capabilities far beyond previous versions.
Devan warns that children’s cognitive development might be negatively affected and extensive AI usage will decrease independent thinking skills. This may become an acute issue due to continued high AI accessibility and increased model performance, encouraging students to rely on AI assistance as the aftermath of the pandemic learning gaps are still felt.
“AI dependency continues to threaten children’s cognitive development, and increasingly, young people are being forced to question their own thinking abilities in ways they never had to before.”
The AI platform owner shows there’s a lot of variation in how AI affects different age groups. Most of the cognitive impact comes from a habit of outsourcing thinking, with the often-observed result of reduced problem-solving skills plus diminished creative thinking, with minimal long-term benefits.
“These thinking problems are not driven by complex technological issues; they’re part of how AI is designed,” he explained. “Where children get their information from matters, because AI-generated answers and solutions are processed at lower cognitive depths than self-discovered knowledge.”
The market for AI models could change education completely in the next decade. Grok 4, marketed by xAI as the most intelligent model in the world, was launched with a premium subscription costing £230 per month.
The new model comes amid controversy for Musk’s companies. Linda Yaccarino stepped down as CEO of X after Grok’s official account posted antisemitic comments that had to be deleted.
Children’s reliance on AI continues to be on the rise because of easy access, and parents will have to consider their position on their kids’ AI usage.
“Just remember, no AI assistance is better than any AI assistance for developing minds,” Devan said. “However, if you are going to allow AI use, try to supervise and limit it to specific tasks.”
Parents concerned about their children’s AI use can implement controls on devices and set specific times when AI tools are allowed. Devan also suggests having open conversations with children about the role of AI in their education and lives.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
