As AI chatbots, companions, and tutors become part of daily life, today’s youth are growing up in a world shaped by algorithms. In this episode of Rethinking Tech, hosts Aparna and Harinda unpack the profound impact of AI on mental health, education, and identity — and ask: Are we protecting our youth, or outsourcing their development to machines?
From AI companions and teen loneliness, to education and critical thinking, to the geopolitical power of algorithms, this conversation dives deep into what it means to grow up in the age of artificial intelligence.
We explore:
-How AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Replika, and Character.AI are changing social development
- The rise of loneliness and digital dependency among teens
- What happens when classrooms — and even friendships — go AI-first
- The growing gap between AI policy and youth protection
- Why governments and parents are struggling to keep up
⏰Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Discussing Youth and Technology
01:32 AI's Impact on Youth Development
04:53 AI Companionship: A New Reality
07:38 The Role of AI in Education
13:20 Guardrails for AI in the Classroom
18:02 The Role of Community in Youth Development
18:27 Youth Unemployment Crisis
19:24 The Relevance of Higher Education
20:47 Geopolitical Influences on Education
22:38 Investing in AI Education for Future Competitiveness
24:11 Youth Representation in Governance
25:25 The Impact of AI on Youth and Misinformation
28:00 Regulating AI and Its Ethical Implications
30:50 The Loneliness Epidemic and AI Companionship
34:26 The Algorithm's Influence on Youth Perspectives
36:01 Protecting Youth in a Digital Age
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