Are we using Gen Z as our AI guinea pigs? 🐷

In this first episode of our five-part Life With Machines x Young Futures series, Baratunde Thurston explores how AI is shaping—and sometimes shaking—the lives of young people.

From mental health and loneliness to the future of jobs, AI “friends,” and school life, Gen Z is facing more tech-fueled change than any generation before. Baratunde and his guests unpack what’s really happening and how we can help the next generation shape their AI future, not just survive it.

💡 Watch for insights from youth advocates, educators, and Young Futures—a movement giving teens a real voice in the technologies shaping their world.

🎓 As part of this mission, Young Futures has launched the “Oops!…AI Did It Again” Challenge. They are offering GRANTS in a national call for bold, youth-informed ideas to help teens navigate AI with agency, empathy, and creativity.

🔗 Apply by October 24: https://bit.ly/yf-funding-challenge

Join us as we explore the delicate balance between leveraging AI for good and protecting the humans growing up with it.

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Subscribe to our Youtube and our Substack newsletter which is experiencing a major overhaul that includes AI news you need to know, hot takes, and meaningful steps we can take to shape our future. 

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Send Questions, Comments, or Ideas: contact@lifewithmachines.media

Write to Blair: blair@lifewithmachines.media

For partnerships, speaking engagements, and other opportunities to work together, contact: lifewithmachines@smoothmedia.co

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Created and Executive Produced by: Elizabeth Stewart and Baratunde Thurston

Executive Producer and Showrunner: Alie Kilts

Associate Producer & Social Media Producer: Roya Lotfi

Video Editor & Audio Engineer: Erik Shute

Special thanks to Samin Bhan, Katya Hancock and Dr. Kristine Gloria

Life with Machines is a Multiverses Media production

This series is in partnership with Young Futures