ASU+GSV Summit Discusses AI's Psychological Impact on Youth
At the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego, experts gathered to discuss the psychological effects of artificial intelligence (AI) on young people. The session, titled 'Living and Learning With Aliens: The Complex Psychological Terrain of AI Anthropomorphism,' featured AI developers, university practitioners, and psychologists. They explored how AI, particularly in educational tools, could impact youth development. Concerns were raised about AI's potential to mimic human interactions, which might hinder children's social development and empathy. Panelists emphasized the importance of designing AI tools that avoid anthropomorphism and encourage critical thinking. They highlighted the need for AI to provide realistic interactions that do not replace human social challenges. The discussion also touched on the importance of intentional design choices and policy ideas to mitigate negative impacts on young users. 
