Mindful Parenting in the Age of AI

Salama people, just sharing my latest video, focused on AI and preparing children for the coming era.

As I come across different AI applications, I’m realising just how profoundly things are changing. As an example, I was listening to an interesting podcast about a scientific paper. The two hosts sounded like typical/generic podcast hosts (middle class, middle aged, western, probably university educated, American) and seemed to have a good chemistry between them. But it turns out the entire thing is entirely AI generated!

On the one hand, this is potentially useful. The tool - Google’s NotebookLM - and others like it can be used to create an audio (or video) podcast that breaks down complex information in a way that’s easy to digest. I could imagine using this alongside my own reading of a paper to help clarify the terms, concepts and arguments. I could see this developing so you can actually take part in the podcast and ask questions and make comments! On the other hand, it raises a big concern for me that AI-generated content is going to completely overwhelm the internet, if it hasn’t already. And that comes with a whole range of economic, social, cultural and philosophical concerns which we don’t have time to get into just now.

What does this have to do with parenting? Everything! As adults, we are somewhat fortunate that we are witnessing this transition at it happens. We hopefully have the experience and skills which can help us to differentiate real and true from AI-hallucinated. Children don’t have that background and thus can be readily manipulated and controlled by those who own and control the AI. My video is about how I’m working with my children to help them to thrive and flourish in this age of AI. I break down my approach to this with my two sons which is centred on: 1. A strong understanding and interest passion for S.T.E.M., 2. Self Expression and Exploration through Art and Music, 3. Physical Movement, Fitness and Intelligence, and 4. A Love of and Deep Connection with Nature. My aim is to help them navigate the tech-dominated age while remaining deeply connected to their true Selves. My aim is that they will be able to use technology and not be used by it.