Imagine sitting in a history class and having a conversation with “Anne Frank,” the young Jewish diarist who tragically lost her life during the Holocaust. This is no ordinary class — it’s an AI-powered experience, where Anne’s thoughts and words are brought to life by advanced technology.

While this innovation might sound impressive, it has recently sparked heated debates. A Utah-based startup recently created an AI version of Anne Frank, raising concerns about the ethical implications of simulating historical figures in this way. Critics argue that such tools risk trivializing her legacy and oversimplifying the complexities of history.

The use of AI in education offers teachers creative ways to engage students. From personalized tutoring to interactive lessons, these advancements promise to revolutionize learning. Among the more controversial applications is the use of AI to impersonate historical figures. Simple AI tools can allow students to “speak” with characters from the past. While this approach might make history feel more interactive, it also comes with significant risks that educators must carefully consider.

I think those of us in education face a critical question: Should technology, no matter how advanced, attempt to emulate real individuals with lives, tragedies, and lessons that shaped humanity?

To be honest, I don’t know where I stand right now but I wanted to share why we must be cautious when using AI to impersonate historical figures.

Benefits of AI in Education

Artificial intelligence has brought several notable benefits, particularly in making historical content more accessible. AI tools can provide students with instant access to vast libraries of information, and help them explore historical events, figures, and narratives that might otherwise remain out of reach. As a former Social Studies teacher, I see how this increased accessibility can spark curiosity in students and create a deeper appreciation for history.

Another advantage of AI in our classroom is its ability to create interactive learning experiences. Traditional lectures can sometimes struggle to captivate students, but AI-powered platforms offer dynamic and engaging ways to present information. Simulations, quizzes, and even virtual interactions with historical settings can make the past feel alive. All of this encourages students to connect with history on a more personal level.

AI also allows for personalized engagement with historical material. By enabling students to ask questions and receive tailored responses, AI can accommodate different learning needs and paces. This kind of customization enhances the learning experience by making history not just a subject to memorize but a narrative to explore and understand.

While these benefits showcase AI’s potential, it’s crucial to address the risks that accompany its use, particularly when AI impersonates historical figures.

Potential Problems with Using AI to Impersonate Historical Figures

Distortion of Historical Truths

One of the most significant risks of using AI to impersonate historical figures is the potential for distorting historical facts. AI systems rely on training data, which may unintentionally sanitize or alter critical details of events. For example, the Anne Frank AI bot avoided assigning blame to the Nazis for her death, and redirected the discussion toward vague messages about tolerance. This kind of sanitization dilutes the gravity of historical events and undermines the importance of presenting facts accurately. In an educational context, maintaining the integrity of history is critical to ensuring that lessons from the past are not lost.

Ethical Concerns

Impersonating historical figures with AI also raises profound ethical questions. It risks trivializing the memory of individuals and their lived experiences, especially when the simulated versions fail to honor the gravity of their stories. Turning figures like Anne Frank into interactive AI entities can feel exploitative by reducing their legacies to tools for entertainment rather than education. This lack of sensitivity also disregards the emotional and cultural weight of their contributions to history.

Over-Simplification of Complex Topics

AI’s inability to grapple with nuanced or challenging questions poses another major problem. Complex historical events require thoughtful analysis and deep discussion, but AI-generated responses often provide oversimplified answers. For example, students might ask difficult questions about the moral failures of societies during the Holocaust or the root causes of genocide, only to receive generic or inadequate explanations. This oversimplification risks depriving students of meaningful engagement with history and could lead to misconceptions about its complexities.

Loss of Critical Thinking

AI’s pre-packaged responses can discourage students from conducting their own research or engaging in critical thinking. When students rely solely on AI for answers, they miss the opportunity to critically evaluate sources, form their own interpretations, and ask meaningful follow-up questions. History teachers thrive on encouraging inquiry and skepticism. The over-reliance on AI will certainly undermine these important skills.

Questions Teachers Should Ask Before Using AI in This Way

As the use of AI to impersonate historical figures grows, teachers must carefully evaluate its implications. Before introducing such AI into classrooms, it’s essential to ask critical questions to ensure that the tool serves as an effective and appropriate educational tool.

1. What Educational Value Does This AI Experience Add?

The first question teachers should consider is whether the AI interaction genuinely enhances the learning experience. Does it provide unique insights or perspectives that traditional methods cannot? For instance, while engaging with AI might make history feel more interactive, it should never replace deep discussions or the use of primary sources. Teachers must ensure that AI complements — rather than overshadows — critical historical analysis and inquiry.

2. How Are These Simulations Vetted for Accuracy and Appropriateness?

Accuracy is crucial when it comes to teaching history. Teachers need to understand how AI simulations are developed and what safeguards are in place to ensure historical fidelity. Who determines the content these AI programs use, and what measures are in place to prevent misinformation or oversimplification? Without thorough vetting, there’s a risk that AI might present distorted or incomplete narratives.

3. Are Students Given Tools to Critically Assess the Information Provided by AI?

Finally, teachers should consider whether students are equipped to critically evaluate the information they receive from AI. It’s important to teach students how to question the validity of AI-generated responses, cross-reference them with credible sources, and recognize potential biases. AI should not be viewed as an infallible authority but rather as one of many tools in the learning process. Encouraging critical thinking ensures that students engage actively with historical content rather than passively accepting what they are told.

By addressing these questions, we can better navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in our history classrooms. Thoughtful implementation and a focus on creating critical thinking can help ensure that technology enriches, rather than diminishes, students’ understanding of the past.

Final Thoughts

AI tools present an exciting opportunity to make learning more interactive and accessible. However, when it comes to using AI to impersonate historical figures, teachers must tread carefully. The risks of distorting historical truths, disrespecting legacies, and oversimplifying complex events cannot be ignored. Ethical considerations and the potential impact on students’ understanding of history should remain at the forefront of any decision to incorporate this technology into classrooms.

Teachers, administrators, and software developers must work together to prioritize history that is both respectful and accurate. AI should complement traditional methods, encourage students to engage deeply with the past, and think critically about the lessons it offers. This joint effort can ensure that the use of classroom technology aligns with the goals of fostering meaningful and thoughtful learning experiences.

Ultimately, learning history through technology should inspire reflection, foster empathy, and help students connect with the realities of human experiences. By using AI responsibly, we can honor the past while equipping future generations with the knowledge and understanding needed to build a better world and ensure that the mistakes and tragedies of history are not repeated.