🤖 ChatGPT use for school doubles in 2 years

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Greetings! Your latest quick tech update is here:

☀️ On this day: On January 16, 1986, the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) was officially formed. The IETF became instrumental in developing and promoting voluntary Internet standards.

What’s happening:

• 🤖 More teens turn to ChatGPT for schoolwork

• ⚖️ Biden warns of Big Tech's threat to democracy

• 📅 Microsoft introduces free Copilot Chat

• ⏳ TikTok faces US shutdown this Sunday

• 🎮 Nintendo reveals bigger, better Switch 2

• + 📊 Daily poll and results

• + 📈 Trending tools and resources

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Hand-picked news:

🤖 More teens turn to ChatGPT for schoolwork ↗️LINK

• What: A Pew survey revealed 26% of U.S. teens now use ChatGPT for schoolwork, doubling from two years ago. Many teens find it acceptable for research (54%), math problems (29%), and essays (18%), despite its shortcomings in accuracy and reliability.

• Why: ChatGPT’s ease of access appeals to students, but its weak performance in areas like math and nuanced subjects raises concerns about its educational value. Studies show mixed results, with some students performing worse academically when using AI tools.

• Impact: Teachers remain cautious, with only 18% integrating AI in classrooms and concerns over students’ critical thinking skills. As ChatGPT use rises among Black and Hispanic teens, its limitations may disproportionately affect these groups’ academic outcomes.

⚖️ Biden warns of Big Tech's threat to democracy ↗️LINK

• What: In his final address, President Joe Biden warned against Big Tech’s unchecked influence, accusing platforms of enabling misinformation for profit. He criticized leaders like Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk for abandoning fact-checking, calling this a threat to democracy and free press.

• Why: Biden highlighted the rise of an oligarchy using wealth and influence to erode rights and freedoms. He proposed constitutional reforms, including removing presidential immunity and limiting Supreme Court justice terms to 18 years.

• Impact: Biden’s address underscores growing concerns about tech accountability and its role in democratic integrity. His criticisms and reform proposals may spark debates during Trump’s upcoming presidency and beyond.

📅 Microsoft introduces free Copilot Chat ↗️LINK

• What: Microsoft launched a free tier of its AI assistant platform, Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat, offering GPT-4-powered features like web-based knowledge, file analysis, and image/code generation. Users can access task automation agents via a pay-per-use model.

• Why: This tier bridges the gap for businesses not ready to commit to the full $30/month Copilot subscription. It positions Microsoft to compete with rivals like Gemini by highlighting its agent capabilities.

• Impact: Organizations gain affordable access to AI tools with scalable pricing, enhancing workplace efficiency. This move reinforces Microsoft’s edge in AI adoption despite increasing competition.

⏳ TikTok faces US shutdown this Sunday ↗️LINK

• What: TikTok may completely shut down in the US on Sunday, going beyond a ban on new downloads. The app plans to display a shutdown notice to users, likely as a strategic move to pressure US lawmakers.

• Why: A proposed law, the Extend the TikTok Deadline Act, could grant TikTok an additional 270 days to negotiate a sale to a US company. The move is aimed at protecting the app’s unique cultural and informational ecosystem from an abrupt end.

• Impact: The shutdown could spark backlash among TikTok’s vast user base, influencing public opinion on the ban. Meanwhile, Chinese officials have denied reports of a potential sale to Elon Musk. Congress’s decision remains critical in shaping TikTok’s fate.

🎮 Nintendo reveals bigger, better Switch 2 ↗️LINK

• What: Nintendo has announced the Switch 2, featuring a larger display, rounded Joy-Con controllers with magnetic attachments, and a modular design. It will support original Switch games via cartridge slots and digital compatibility.

• Why: The redesigned console includes upgrades like a new kickstand, relocated USB-C port, and improved internals to handle more demanding games. These changes aim to enhance usability and performance while maintaining backward compatibility.

• Impact: Fans can look forward to more details during the Nintendo Direct on April 2, 2025. The Switch 2’s updates position it as a competitive hybrid console for modern gaming needs.

Today’s Poll:

Vote and find out about the result tomorrow.

Yesterday’s Poll Result:

Should Elon Musk step in to save TikTok from a US ban?

• A) Yes – His involvement could resolve the issue - 27%

• B) No – It’s too complex or risky - 73% 🏆

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