AI Literacy for All with Prof. Cynthia Breazeal

Bridging the gap between human well-being and artificial intelligence requires a shift toward collaborative, human-centered design. Cynthia Breazeal, a professor at the MIT Media Lab and director of the RAISE initiative, advocates for building machines that function as allied agents rather than mere transactional assistants. By utilizing lifelike, expressive movements—such as those seen in the social robot Jibo—technology can better support emotional wellness and provide care in home environments. The RAISE initiative further promotes this philosophy by demystifying AI for K-12 students, empowering them to become ethical designers of future technologies. While AI offers significant potential to extend the quality of care and support, it cannot replicate the essential value of in-person human social networks. Cultivating a diverse and informed generation of technology users remains critical to ensuring that AI tools remain empowering and socially responsible.