The Pro Church Tools Show with Brady Shearer The Dark Side Of AI In Youth Ministry
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Jul 23, 2025 The discussion delves into the unsettling trend of teens relying on AI chatbots for advice and connection. Concerns arise about cognitive dependency and the erosion of critical thinking skills. The speakers emphasize the importance of friction in personal growth and highlight the risks of favoring quick fixes over deep, meaningful interactions. They share personal experiences navigating emotional challenges with technology and advocate for a balanced approach to integrating AI in youth ministry, promoting thoughtful engagement alongside traditional support.
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Delegation Breeds Cognition Loss
- Delegating thinking to AI chatbots can lead to cognitive decline in users over time.\n- This is especially risky for youth as their brains are still developing and can rewire improperly.
Warn Youth: Delegation Becomes Dependency
- Warn youth that relying on AI feels harmless but can trap them in dependency.\n- Frame it as "delegation becomes dependency" to raise awareness and build resistance.
Formation Requires Friction
- Formation and growth require friction and struggle.\n- AI that removes friction can stunt youth's problem-solving and resilience development.