The One Question AI Could Not Answer

Hong Kong is reportedly moving to embed artificial intelligence in its education system, with government funding aimed at providing schools with AI tools and digital resources. These tools are described as capable of calculation, translation, summarization, image generation, and conversational simulation, aligning with policymakers' stated objective for children to master technology.

Despite the emphasis on digital mastery, evidence from studies tracking children aged two to seventeen points to potential drawbacks of increased screen time. These studies reportedly link higher screen exposure to emotional fragility, irritability, difficulty calming down, and an inability to complete tasks. For older children, patterns persist, with reported struggles to remain calm when challenged, declining curiosity, and escalated risks of anxiety and depression.

Beyond cognitive and emotional concerns, a landmark study involving over 300,000 children reportedly found that each additional hour of daily screen time increases the risk of myopia. At four hours per day, this risk roughly doubles, a notable concern given the surge in myopia rates in parts of Asia. The report also suggests that an overreliance on vision and hearing, intensified by screen-based interactions, may leave other senses underdeveloped, potentially leading to a more literal, less nuanced understanding of human interaction.