In this bonus Secured soundbite, Colin Cooper, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Illuminate XR, explores how AI and immersive technologies are reshaping not just how students learn, but how they see themselves. As tools like AI-assisted writing and virtual reality become more common in education, Cooper warns of unintended mental health consequences that can emerge without thoughtful guidance.

He explains how AI’s instant, polished responses can quietly create a “comparison trap,” where students begin measuring their abilities and self-worth against machine-generated perfection—fueling imposter syndrome and diminishing confidence in independent thinking. Virtual reality, while powerful and engaging, introduces an even deeper challenge. Its immersive nature can blur the line between virtual and real-world identity, making it harder for students to emotionally re-engage once the headset comes off.

Drawing parallels to the impact of social media, Cooper highlights risks such as identity fragmentation, emotional disengagement, and reliance on simulated environments that feel safer or more rewarding than reality. His message is clear: the danger isn’t the technology itself, but adopting it without grounding students in confidence, curiosity, and human connection.

This soundbite reframes AI in education as more than a learning tool—it’s a mental health conversation. Without intentional leadership and safeguards, the next generation may gain more knowledge while feeling less connected to themselves.