Michelle Culver: AI, Deep Learning, & Human Connection

Michelle Culver, founder of the Rhythm Project and former Teach for America leader, discussed how AI is transforming human relationships, particularly for young people. After noticing that conversations about AI focused on work and education but neglected interpersonal connections, Culver launched the Rhythm Project to bridge this gap. The organization conducts research, builds coalitions, and creates educational resources to help youth critically evaluate whether AI technologies serve as "vitamins" (enhancing human connections) or "Vicodin" (addictive replacements for real relationships). Research shows many students experience lower moments of connection in classrooms than elsewhere, highlighting the need to strengthen in-person interactions in educational settings—something educators can directly influence even as technology rapidly evolves.