Lifestyle
Is Google Gemini Safe? A Google Gemini App Review for Parents
Recommended Age
16 and up
Overview
Gemini is Google’s new AI tool that can answer questions, offer insights, and assist internet searches. Gemini can be accessed on an internet browser or downloaded as an app. Either way, Gemini offers direct access to the internet. Google Gemini differs from other AI platforms, like ChatGPT, because it only provides limited information when asked questions. For example, while ChatGPT can write a full essay, Gemini will offer essay prompts. Google recently disabled Gemini from producing AI generated photos because they received complaints about a lack of diversity and inaccurate representation. However, this feature is supposed to come back sometime in the future.
Harmful Content 😲
Google Gemini cannot automatically produce explicit content, like intense language or pornography. It will, however, direct users to the internet where they can find that stuff on other sites. There’s a button that takes users directly to the Google search engine, which gives children access to all kinds of dangerous content.
Predation 🚨
While there’s no direct threat of predation while using Gemini, the internet can be accessed with the click of a button. Children can then look up whatever websites or forums they want and come into contact with predators. For example, kids can ask Gemini about Reddit and Discord, platforms with a high risk of predation, and then click on the button that will take them to an internet search bar where they can access those sites.
Positive Value 💙
Google Gemini can be a useful tool to answer simple questions, get ideas for writing assignments, or solve math problems. Gemini offers simple feedback and answers, rather than paragraphs of information. If someone asks a question relating to self-harm, bullying, or abuse, Gemini will offer various resources for support.
Privacy 🔒
Nothing put on the Internet ever truly goes away, and conversations with Gemini are no exception. Google explains that conversations had with Gemini are collected and reviewed by real people at Google, but they aren’t public for other users to see.
Parental Controls ✅
If Google’s monitoring tool, Family Link, is being used, then Gemini will be automatically disabled. Since it’s only possible to use Gemini when no restrictions are in place, children will have full access to the internet. This also means parent’s won’t receive alerts if their child is exposed to harmful content. That’s where Bark comes in.
Bark can help you stay in control by letting you:
- Block the Gemini app completely, if needed.
- Manage when your child can use the Gemini app throughout the day.
- Block websites and entire content categories on the internet. Bark will also alert you if your child is exposed to harmful content on their phone.
So, should my kid download it?
Not until they’re older. Google Gemini can be a helpful and fun tool for your child, but it also offers access to the internet. Gemini is better suited for mature and responsible kids, and even then monitoring is always a good idea. Even the most responsible child can run into something they’d rather not see.
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