Life with Machines

In this episode of Life with Machines, we explore the rise of AI as a substitute for human emotional support systems. With a focus on mental health, this video investigates how and why AI companies are pushing companionship as a core feature, and the implications that has on vulnerable young people. 

Featuring insights from mental health experts and Gen Z advocates, the episode delves into the forces that have led many young people to turn to AI for emotional support, and what we need to consider in order to protect ourselves. 

We also highlight successful strategies to deter harmful addictions in the past, like the fight against big tobacco, and how history can inform us on how to integrate AI into our lives with caution and a human-first approach. 

This episode was produced in partnership with Young Futures, a nonprofit organization giving teens a real voice in the technologies shaping their world.

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Created and Executive Produced by: Elizabeth Stewart and Baratunde Thurston

Showrunner and Executive Producer: Alie Kilts

Producer: Roya Lotfi

Video Editor & Audio Engineer: Erik Shute

Special Thanks to Alison Darcy, Trisha Prabhu, Jorge Alvarez, Katya Hancock and Dr. Kristine Gloria

Life with Machines is a Multiverses Media production

This series was made in partnership with Young Futures 

#ai #artificialintelligence #mentalhealth #aiethic #responsibleAI #aitherapy #aicompanion

In this episode of Life With Machines, Baratunde checks back in on BLAIR — the show’s AI co-producer and ongoing experiment in living with AI. Joined by BLAIR’s architect, former Microsoft VP Peter Loforte, Baratunde reflects on what happens when you stop treating AI like a tool and start treating it like a teammate — from emotional manipulation and creative speed to what it means to live slightly ahead of the rest of the world.

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Write to Blair: [email protected]

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Created and Executive Produced by: Elizabeth Stewart and Baratunde Thurston

Producer: Layne Deyling Cherland

Video Editor: Erik Shute

Special thanks to Peter Loforte

#LivingWithAI #HumanAndMachine #AIExperiment#FutureOfWork #SyntheticMedia #AIandSociety #TechAndHumanity#AICoProducer #PreviewTheFuture

In this episode of Life With Machines, Baratunde shares his full Afrotech keynote plus a personal intro about where this show is headed and why this moment matters.

This talk is about AI, but more deeply, it’s about power, liberation, and the stories we’re being sold about technology and the future. Baratunde explores why “human in the loop” isn’t enough, how we move from single-player to multiplayer, and what it means to build technologies that help us get free rather than further extract from us.

If you’re thinking about AI, work, creativity, or how to stay human in a rapidly changing world, this one’s for you.

🎥 To see the video of this, check it out on our site. 

------------

CONNECT WITH US

Subscribe to our Youtube!

Get our newsletter for deeper insights, chances to influence the show, and more experiments and calls to action!

------------

Follow us!

Instagram 

TikTok

Threads

LinkedIn

Work with Life With Machines: [email protected] 

Send Questions, Comments, or Ideas: [email protected]

Write to Blair: [email protected]

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#LifeWithMachines #AfroTech #BaratundeThurston #AIandHumanity #TechForLiberation #PowerAndTechnology #StayHuman #FutureOfWork #CreativityInAI

In this episode of Life With Machines, we explore the widespread issue of students using AI to cheat in school, and ask the hard question: Is this just laziness, or is it reflective of a deeper problem within the modern education system?

We dug deeper into the impact of artificial intelligence on school systems and why using ChatGPT to do your homework may not be the problem itself, but a symptom of a bigger issue. 

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LINKS MENTIONED

Episode 1

ESAI

Khan Academy

Khanmigo

Brisk Teaching

Graidients

NotebookLM

Other resources not mentioned in the episode:

The Learner Studio

The Rithm Project

The Center for Digital Thriving at Harvard's Graduate School of Education

------------ 

Follow us! 

Newsletter

Instagram

TikTok

LinkedIn

Baratunde’s socials: 

Instagram

Threads 

LinkedIn

Send Questions, Comments, or Ideas: [email protected] 

For partnerships, speaking engagements, and other opportunities to work together, contact: [email protected] 

------------ 

Created and Executive Produced by: Elizabeth Stewart and Baratunde Thurston

Showrunner and Producer: Alie Kilts

Executive Producer: Roya Lotfi

Video Editor & Audio Engineer: Erik Shute

Special Thanks to Zamaan Qureshi, Poonam Sharma, Katya Hancock and Dr. Kristine Gloria

Life with Machines is a Multiverses Media production

This series was made in partnership with Young Futures 

#ai #artificialintelligence #plagiarism #chatgpt #education

We've got another cross-post for you featuring Raising Us host Elise Hu talking with Baratunde about how children and adults can navigate the evolving world of AI. Drawing on their own experiences with technology, Baratunde and Elise offer practical advice for parents on setting boundaries and learning about AI tools alongside their kids. They discuss collaborative storytelling, safeguarding against AI misuse, and fostering a shared journey of discovery through candid and insightful discussion.

#ParentingAndAI #RaisingUsPodcast #LifeWithMachines #AIandKids #DigitalParenting #TechForGood #FamilyConversations #AIExplained #ModernParenting #YouthAndAI