I recently took part in two public events on AI that gave me the chance to discuss the mindset we need to bring to this new era — the one with AI in it.
The first was a webinar where, starting from the ideas in the book I wrote over the summer, we talked about personal and professional growth thanks to — and because of — AI.
The second was a talk with Year 9 students (age 13–14) at Istituto Volta, on the topic of “AI and Ethics.”
On one side, in the adult event, I found widespread unawareness of AI’s impact on both personal and professional life — and a resulting awkwardness when the subject came up. On the other, with the Year 9 students, I found a level of clarity and preparedness I hadn’t expected. It was genuinely good to discuss “right vs wrong” — both in terms of content and in terms of how AI gets used. I have to say, those kids are way ahead. Unexpectedly ahead. With the instincts of seasoned prompt engineers. We adults really need to pick up the pace — or risk being left behind.