All you have to do to understand the future of AI is to understand the incentives.
I recently listened to a podcast where Oprah Winfrey interviewed a representative from the Center for Humane Technology. That line stood out to me. If I'm being honest, the entire conversation stood out. But this particular thought lingered.
I've found myself using AI more frequently as a thought companion, a research assistant, an elevated version of Google. The idea of using AI to fully write articles or books still makes my writer's heart seize a bit. But as a tool, it's undeniably useful.
There is, however, something that began to catch my attention. If you've used AI, you've likely noticed it. The conversation never quite ends. There is always another question. Another suggestion. Another "Would you like to explore that further?" It's subtle, but persistent.
To understand the future of AI, you have to understand the incentives. Social media companies do not primarily make money through subscriptions or direct payments. They make money through attention. The longer you stay on a platform, the more content you consume, the more advertisements you see, and the more valuable you become.
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The issue is not simply that kids are distracted. It is that they are growing up inside systems designed to capture their attention.
Around 2012 and 2013, something shifted. Social media platforms moved away from being simple communication tools and began evolving into attention-optimizing systems. Companies began competing not just to attract users, but to keep them engaged longer. Notifications became less informational and more psychological. A like, a comment, or a new follower taps into something deeply human: our desire for belonging, validation, and connection.
Artificial intelligence takes this even further. AI doesn't just respond to behavior — it predicts it. It analyzes patterns, adapts in real time, and creates experiences that become increasingly difficult to disengage from. The goal is engagement. But when engagement drives revenue, technology naturally evolves to maximize it.
This becomes particularly important when we consider children and teenagers. Developing brains are especially sensitive to novelty, reward, and social feedback. Adolescents are navigating identity formation, belonging, and comparison. When platforms are designed to hold attention, young users are especially vulnerable.
The issue is not simply that kids are distracted. It is that they are growing up inside systems designed to capture their attention. That distinction matters. It moves our conversation away from blame and toward understanding. When we understand the environment students are growing up in, we can respond more thoughtfully — focusing not just on limiting technology, but on helping young people develop awareness, resilience, and balance.