How ChatGPT is Changing the Role of Adult Children of Immigrants
Michelle Fang, a tech community manager based in San Francisco, noticed a significant shift in her father's behavior when she visited their New Jersey home. Her father, a first-generation Chinese American, had started using ChatGPT for writing emails and creating work presentations. This marked a drastic change from the past when Fang would print out his PowerPoints and assist in editing his English. Now, her father relies on ChatGPT instead of seeking help with English grammar or technical language from Fang. This experience is not unique, as many adult children of immigrants who once helped their parents overcome language barriers are witnessing artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT taking over these responsibilities.
Monica Mikael, a 30-year-old nurse practitioner in Los Angeles, shared a similar story. Her Egyptian American parents, struggling with written English since immigrating to the U.S. three decades ago, used to depend on Mikael for assistance with their communications. Since high school, Mikael has been writing and revising emails for her parents, who manage a small medical practice. When ChatGPT was introduced in November 2022, Mikael saw an opportunity to empower her parents. She taught them how to utilize the tool for asking questions and drafting communications, resulting in a reduced need for Mikael's daily assistance. While she still aids them with more critical matters, Mikael noted a positive shift in their relationship, making their interactions more meaningful and less task-oriented.
The Impact on Immigrant Families
For many immigrants learning English as a second language, even minor grammar errors can lead to significant anxiety in professional settings. This challenge was highlighted in a survey of over 200 East, Southeast, and South Asian women in the tech industry, who often felt discriminated against due to their accents and grammar usage. The adoption of AI tools like ChatGPT, especially prominent among Asian American adults, is reshaping intergenerational dynamics.
While these tools alleviate the burden on adult children, they also redefine the relationship dynamics with their immigrant parents. The shift in interactions from practical support to a more emotional connection poses both opportunities and challenges for families navigating this evolving landscape. Some, like Sheeta Verma, a tech marketer in San Francisco, have helped their parents embrace AI tools like ChatGPT. Verma acknowledged the need to guide her parents on leveraging AI tools responsibly to avoid misinformation and ensure privacy.
The Emotional Impact
Not all adult children entirely welcome this technological shift. Some miss the bonding experience that came with assisting their parents in the past. Despite initial skepticism, individuals like Sheeta Verma are ultimately glad to see their parents embracing new tools like ChatGPT. The introduction of ChatGPT and similar AI tools is not only changing how immigrant families communicate but also transforming the nature of their relationships, moving them towards more emotional and personal connections.
