Dr. Ashleigh Rankin holds a doctorate in psychology. Recently, she’s been diving into how new technologies, AI included, are shaping the ways Gen Z and the rest of us understand ourselves, relate to others, and navigate an increasingly digital world. Her perspective brings together human behavior, financial wellbeing, and the everyday impact of technology.In this episode, we cover:Why vulnerable minds—including children, adolescents, and those with existing mental health conditions—are particularly susceptible to AI's psychological impacts and what makes them different from the general population in their responses to AI systemsHow AI is rewiring our neurological reward systems through constant dopamine hits, infinite scroll mechanisms, and algorithmic content delivery that exploits the brain's evolutionary vulnerabilitiesWhat the relationship is between neurological states (how our brains physically respond to stimuli) and psychological states (our emotional and mental wellbeing), and why understanding this connection is critical for navigating AI healthilyHow people can establish boundaries with AI systems to prevent psychological dependency, addiction patterns, and the erosion of critical thinking skills that occurs with over-reliance on algorithmic decision-makingWhy the way we interact with AI now is creating long-term neurological patterns that may fundamentally alter human cognition, attention spans, and our capacity for deep work and sustained focusWhat practical frameworks individuals can implement to use AI as a tool rather than allowing it to become a psychological crutch or replacement for human judgment and connectionHow parents, educators, and mental health professionals can identify early warning signs of unhealthy AI relationships and intervene before psychological harm becomes entrenchedConnect with Ashley: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ponderosa_kw/Book: https://www.amazon.com/Tillys-Toolbox-Emotions-Ashleigh-Rankin/dp/B0F2B2RW18Podcast Info: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1ILhje5HSua1FEOlTyFAhGApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3qXL37WConnect: Website: https://ayushprakash.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prakash-ayush/ Instagram: instagram.com/ayushprakashofficialBooks: AI for Gen Z: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0981182135