How Artificial Intelligence Could Harm Future Generations with Zak Stein | TGS 180

(Conversation recorded on May 12th, 2025)

While most industries are embracing artificial intelligence, citing profit and efficiency, the tech industry is pushing AI into education under the guise of ‘inevitability’. But the focus on its potential benefits for academia eclipses the pressing (and often invisible) risks that AI poses to children – including the decline of critical thinking, the inability to connect with other humans, and even addiction. With the use of AI becoming more ubiquitous by the day, we must ask ourselves: can our education systems adequately protect children from the potential harms of AI?

In this episode, Nate is joined once again by philosopher of education Zak Stein to delve into the far-reaching implications of technology – especially artificial intelligence – on the future of education. Together, they examine the risks of over-reliance on AI for the development of young minds, as well as the broader impact on society and some of the biggest existential risks. Zak explores the ethical challenges of adopting AI into educational systems, emphasizing the enduring value of traditional skills and the need for a balanced approach to integrating technology with human values (not just the values of tech companies).

What steps are available to us today – from interface design to regulation of access – to limit the negative effects of Artificial Intelligence on children? How can parents and educators keep alive the pillars of independent thinking and foundational learning as AI threatens them? Ultimately, is there a world where Artificial Intelligence could become a tool to amplify human connection and socialization – or might it replace them entirely?

About Zak Stein:

Dr. Zak Stein is a philosopher of education, as well as a Co-founder of the Center for World Philosophy and Religion. He is also the Co-founder of Civilization Research Institute, the Consilience Project, and Lectica, Inc. He is the author of dozens of published papers and two books, including Education in a Time Between Worlds. Zak recieved his EdD from Harvard University.

Show Notes and More:
https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/180-zak-stein

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00:00:00 - Introduction
00:03:18 - Why AI and Education
00:10:23 - Risks of AI Use
00:13:19 - Nature of Conversation
00:17:56 - Machines as Friends
00:20:14 - Can AI Provide Care?
00:22:01 - Irresistible Tech Futures
00:25:20 - Why This Conversation?
00:32:41 - AI and Loneliness
00:42:00 - University AI Adoption
00:47:23 - Can We Resist AI?
00:50:03 - Advice for Parents
00:56:17 - Therapy via Chatbots
01:00:30 - Teach Through Nature
01:03:12 - Who Shapes AI Outcomes?
01:08:37 - Emotional Impact of AI
01:10:52 - Do You Use AI?
01:14:04 - AI as Religion
01:16:55 - Can Policy Work?
01:20:35 - Impacts on Childhood
01:29:56 - Is It Too Late?
01:35:20 - What Can Families Do?
01:39:03 - Community Tech Norms
01:43:03 - What Has Changed?
01:48:10 - Final Reflections