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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