Technology and democracy in the classroom: ambivalences in the impact of AI and mathematical modelling

This research examines the relationship among mathematical modelling (MM), artificial intelligence (AI), and democracy. The study used MM and AI as tools to encourage students to consider the impact of mathematics and generative AI (GenAI) on sociopolitical structures and democracy. The integration of ChatGPT into the modelling process proved ambivalent: the student–ChatGPT relationship was positive in some aspects and raised concerns about technological dependency, biases, and their influence on decision-making and democracy. The conclusions highlight the need for a critical approach to mathematics and AI, ensuring that students are prepared to deal with these advances ethically and responsibly, contributing to democracy. The study contributes to the literature by exploring how integrating ChatGPT into mathematical modelling affects students’ understanding of democracy and decision-making.