Jerry Yang, G10 楊子鑒 As an international high school student, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact of artificial intelligence across multiple sectors. AI is not just a technological advancement — it is reshaping education, healthcare, transportation, and employment, presenting both opportunities and complex challenges. In education, AI-powered platforms like Duolingo have revolutionized language learning. Using adaptive algorithms, Duolingo identifies my weaknesses — such as Spanish verb tenses — and provides targeted exercises to strengthen my skills. This personalized approach makes learning more efficient and engaging. In healthcare, AI is a life-saving innovation. Machine learning models now detect cancers with greater accuracy than human doctors in some cases, enabling earlier interventions and improving survival rates. AI also enhances patient care through automated reminders for medication and predictive analytics that anticipate health risks before symptoms appear. However, AI’s rapid advancement raises ethical and societal concerns. Self-driving cars, for example, must make split-second decisions in life-or-death scenarios — should the AI prioritize the passenger’s safety or minimize overall harm? These moral dilemmas lack clear answers. Additionally, automation threatens job displacement. Self-checkout kiosks reduce the need for cashiers, while autonomous vehicles could render taxi and truck drivers obsolete. To maximize AI’s benefits while mitigating risks, education systems must adapt. Schools should teach students not only how to use AI tools like ChatGPT for research but also how to think critically and creatively alongside them. Moreover, developers and policymakers must ensure ethical AI deployment. Transparency in algorithms, safeguards against bias, and regulations on automation are crucial to building public trust. AI should enhance human potential, not replace it. | 