Allison Kasper

Abstract: 

Studies have found that Artificial Intelligence impacts the environment in many ways. Additionally, research has found that high school students are frequent users of AI and they express concern over the environment. However, no study has linked the two concepts of high schooler’s knowledge of the environmental impacts of AI, and their usage of AI. Due to the fact that previous studies found that teens interact with AI frequently, all participants in the study were high school students. A correlational study was used to determine if there was a correlation between how much a high school student uses AI and their knowledge of the environmental impacts of AI. In order to test for these variables, participants had to answer a survey in which they self reported their average AI usage rate and answered a 10 question quiz that tested their knowledge of the environmental impacts of AI. After analysis and testing it was determined that there is no statistically significant relationship between how much a high school student uses AI and their knowledge of the environmental impacts of AI. Future research should include testing a broader range of participants to make findings more generalizable. Additionally, research needs to be done to examine the best way to teach high school students about responsible AI use, as well as how AI impacts the environment.