{
  "id": 17037057,
  "title": "Thanks to AI, are we raising the first generation of kids who don’t have to figure things out?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/thanks-to-ai-are-we-raising-the-first-generation-of-kids-who-dont",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-10-29T08:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Fast Company",
    "slug": "fast-company",
    "url": "https://www.fastcompany.com/91629990/ai-first-generation-kids-who-dont-have-to-figure-things-out"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As children face challenges in their teenage years, they often find themselves grappling with questions and dilemmas that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In today's world, however, artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming a go-to solution for these situations. Rather than wrestling with the uncomfortable middle ground of figuring things out on their own, young people can now turn to AI for instant answers and advice. This trend is not without its concerns. Parents have always been wary of technology's impact on children, from exposure to inappropriate content to the potential for diminished attention spans and academic dishonesty. Yet, AI has introduced a new dilemma: the outsourcing of experiences that are crucial for personal growth and development. While AI can adeptly draft essays or provide insights on complex topics like \"To Kill a Mockingbird,\" it also erodes the valuable process of wrestling with tough questions, organizing arguments, and ultimately learning to articulate one's thoughts and feelings. This outsourcing extends to personal relationships and everyday decisions, where AI can offer ready-made solutions for communication or conflict resolution. The crux of the issue lies in the fact that technology has enabled a shortcut through the difficult process of self-discovery and growth. Growth happens during those awkward and challenging moments when we fail, learn, and ultimately build confidence. Mastery experiences, as developmental psychologists term them, are vital for cultivating self-assurance and resilience. These experiences, such as navigating a failed apology or coping with a disappointing grade, teach children how to recognize their instincts and trust their abilities to navigate life's complexities. The Pew Research Center's 2025 survey revealed that 54% of American teens aged 13-17 use AI chatbots for academic assistance, and 12% rely on them for emotional support and advice. While AI can undoubtedly be a useful tool - aiding students with subjects they struggle with, providing practice for shy individuals, or offering educational resources to families lacking adequate support - there is a delicate balance to be struck. It is imperative to teach children the distinction between leveraging AI as a supportive learning tool and allowing it to make decisions for them. This distinction is equally relevant for adults. Instead of immediately turning to AI for assistance, it is beneficial to pause, reflect, and attempt to formulate our own thoughts and solutions before seeking external input. Parents, too, can play a role in guiding their children by resisting the urge to shield them from every hurdle. While it may be tempting to intervene in every conflict or ensure our children never face failure, it is essential to allow them the opportunity to learn how to resolve their own problems. As adults, we must impart the invaluable skills of asking good questions and trusting oneself to find answers independently.",
  "summary": "Your teenager gets into a fight with her best friend. She’s hurt, upset, and doesn’t know what to do. Maybe in the past she would have spent the day replaying the argument, venting to another friend about the drama, practicing an apology in the bathroom mirror, or laboring over what to text. These days, she can skip all that and ask AI what to say. It probably sounds better than anything she…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}