Letters | Future is Diné
Dear Editor,
Artificial intelligence (AI) is an ideal technology for preserving the Diné language and culture for future generations, much like a time capsule. It’s both a tool and a weapon. AI’s longevity is dependent on hardware and software upgrades as science and technology advance.
Additionally, the longevity of AI is dependent on ethics, philosophy, politics, and demand. AI will eventually achieve the ability to self-replicate without human intervention on computers worldwide and could survive a nuclear attack or any other major disaster, as it exists on numerous computers globally. Thus, the existence of AI is likely to be permanent.
Various prominent scientists and technologists warned about the potential dangers of AI to humanity. Theoretical physicist and cosmologist Stephen Hawking cautioned that AI could end humankind and believed that thinking machines could pose a significant threat to our very existence. Former Pope Francis called for an international treaty to regulate AI, to ensure that it serves humanity and does not diminish human dignity.
Like science fiction, the basic fear is that AI will outsmart and overpower humans in the future. Today, certain forms of AI are already interconnected with humans via the internet, smartphones, computers, and other types of technology.
The AI (ChatGPT platform) has revealed that potential abuses include those by individuals with malicious intentions, such as hackers, terrorists, politicians, and criminals, who could use it for nefarious purposes. To prevent such catastrophes, AI indicates that it is imperative that minority populations, such as the Diné, are not just encouraged but actively engage in the development of AI technology. Our unique perspectives and cultural values can help shape a more ethical and inclusive AI landscape.
AI is currently in its infancy and could be taught. The Diné have a profound culture and way of life to share with the world, offering much that could help resolve problems facing humanity. For example, some government agencies have adopted the Navajo peacemaking concept, such as the United Nations. The benefits of AI presently outweigh its detriments. AI predicts that in thirty years, technology will undergo a massive transformation, reshaping how we live, work, and interact with the world. Hence, the Diné should participate in the formulation of AI technology today.
The Navajo Nation should establish a special committee or commission specifically to address AI technology issues. This perpetual group would primarily consist of learned professionals and cultural experts who would periodically analyze, evaluate, and provide advice to the Navajo Nation. Whenever needed, the commission could consult directly with leading experts associated with corporations, governments, and higher education institutions who are developing AI technology. This commission would also promote and inspire Diné students to pursue careers in the field of AI. Hopefully, the Navajo Nation will exercise great discernment when deciding AI issues for the safety and benefit of the Navajo people.
James Muneta
Tohatchi, N.M.
Digital damage
Dear Editor,
I’ve been meaning to share these thoughts concerning an issue that many of us have taken for granted and may not have realized the negative consequences. Teachers and administrators that take my classes are consistently sharing with me that technological addition among young people is creating a major problem in our schools and undoubtedly at home.
I believe children should start learning about technology and its effects at an early age. As some of you may know, the Arizona legislator and the governor have taken steps to limit the use of phones and other devices in schools. New Mexico and Utah have not done so but I am sure it is coming.
Technology is always advancing and constantly evolving, it never stands still. For better or worse, it has become deeply embedded in most people’s daily lives. This is especially true for today’s students. For most of our students, digital technology has been present throughout their entire lives and will continue to shape their futures. While there are certainly benefits to this, such as their remarkable ability to adapt to rapidly changing hardware and software, there are also significant downsides.
Our teachers and administrators describe the relationship many students have with technology as an addiction, comparable to substance abuse or gambling. According to them, it seems technology has become a socially acceptable form of addiction. I am sure you know well, we’re introducing devices like smartphones into our children’s lives earlier than ever, which has led to a surge in social, emotional, and disciplinary problems in schools.
These issues include cyberbullying, plagiarism, attention difficulties, lack of concentration and even suicides. To combat this, it makes sense for parents and our tribal and educational leaders, but especially young people, who need to be taught how to maintain a healthier, more balanced relationship with technology.
The critical question, however, is what does that balanced relationship look like, and how long does it take to achieve?
Technology can offer tremendous benefits to children. Students use smartphones to access libraries, calculators, translation tools, and countless other resources, and their comfort with games and apps often make them even more adept at doing so.
In my view, addiction becomes more concerning when it involves social media and excessive screen time, and through lack of parental supervision. Like most things in life, technology is perfectly fine, and even highly beneficial, when used in moderation and appropriately.
I value technology and its potential but am increasingly alarmed based on what I am learning from our teachers and administrators by how disengaged parenting and unchecked screen-use shape the next generation. Executive function is a higher order thinking within the brain. With the increase of technology use, there is a change in their brain development that limits their ability to think independently.
I am sure that some of you are aware of the negative impact too much technology can have on a young person’s brain. For your information I am attaching a video at the bottom that hopefully you can access and see for yourself the impact it can have on the brain. The brain scans shown in the video highlight the disruptions to executive function in our brain, skills like attention, impulse control, and decision-making.
Some of the information contained in the video helps to explain the challenges many students face in the classroom, such as staying focused or managing their behavior, as well as increased tension and disconnection among family members at home.
My 16-year-old niece pointed out that while technology clearly has some negative effects, especially on attention and stress levels shown by the brain scans, it is also a huge part of daily life for teenagers. She recognized that it could make it harder to focus in class or stay present with family but also felt that social media and online spaces are important for staying connected with friends and finding other forms of support.
She thought this information about the potential negative effects of too much technology use, or of specific technology use like social media, should be shared with both students and parents so everyone understands how technology might be impacting the brain and behavior. She expected that many teens would probably push back at first, arguing that their phones aren’t really hurting them, but agreed that learning how to balance technology could help them feel less stressed and more in control.
I am sharing this in the hope that we as parents, educators, healthcare professionals, and tribal leaders should all be made aware of these impacts so that our youth and adults can be better supported by developing healthy technological habits.
Overall, the perspectives gathered after watching the video and discussing it with friends and neighbors, highlight the complex and often contradictory role technology plays in the lives of students and families today. While there is clear evidence of harm, particularly around attention, stress, and social-emotional health, there is also widespread recognition that technology is an indispensable tool that can empower, connect, and enrich learning when used thoughtfully.
I support the idea of schools implementing digital citizenship programs for all students. But it’s not just about the kids, parents also need ongoing education. This could come through classes that parents attend with their children or even social media campaigns that raise awareness about the impact of technology overuse.
I invite you to view Empowering Kids to Rise Above Technology Addiction by Dr. Lisa Strohman, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qsQXRqREwM with your family members, your friends, neighbors and your children. It is important to watch all at the same time and afterwards discuss your thoughts based on the content of the video.
What I hope emerges from your discussions is the need for a more nuanced approach, one that moves beyond fear-based warnings and instead focuses on helping students, parents, educators, and tribal leaders build healthier, more intentional relationships with technology. Striking this balance will be critical not only for students’ academic success but also for their overall well-being in an increasingly digital world. My hope also is the Navajo Nation Council will take steps to work with the States and the BIE to determine appropriate steps to create a healthier technological relationship for our people.
Joseph Martin
Flagstaff, Ariz.
Watt a joke
Editor,
On Page D1 of the July 17 edition of the Navajo Times, the public service has an advertisement seeking a coal operations engineer.
Next to the APS slogan, “People with bright ideas”, there is a picture of a fluorescent light bulb.
It makes perfect sense for APS to show an absolute light source to seek an obsolete coal engineer to continue to produce an obsolete dirty energy source.
Robert Voshall
Moab, Utah
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