Meta's AI glasses and an Instagram AI feature that generated images from public photos, Holly and Fiona break down the privacy risks for parents in this AI parenting podcast.

Recorded just before Meta pulled the Instagram feature, this episode looks at privacy, ethical design in AI products, whether these features are actually needed, and the risk of everyday bullying alongside more extreme misuse. As the final episode of the season, Holly and Fiona also reflect on how it's gone.

New episodes return in September.

Topics covered:

• Instagram's AI image feature, and why it was taken down after backlash
• The privacy risk of bullying and misuse that's separate from the "worst case" concerns that got most of the coverage
• Meta's AI glasses and the privacy questions they raise
• Toy Story 5's message
• Reflections on the season and what's coming next

Useful Links:

BBC News story on Meta taking down the new Instagram feature

Explainer on Meta glasses and Kylie Jenner

Black Mirror - Nosedive (season 3, episode 1)

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The music and graphics for this podcast have been created using AI. Credit to kaazoom for the catchy tune!

Do I need to worry about my son's AI companion?

Fiona and Holly are joined by Professor Andrew McStay, director of Bangor University's Emotional AI Lab, to talk about AI companions and what's actually going on when a child forms a bond with one.

Andrew shares research showing around 80% of UK teenagers have tried an AI companion, with about 30% using one more than once a week - and explains what that means for parents, what's worth watching for, and what isn't.

Useful Links:

Professor Andrew McStay’s research on AI companions

Emotional AI Lab

Professor Andrew McStay’s website

character.ai

Replika

Nomi.ai

Find our website at raisinggenerationai.com

We're also on Facebook and Instagram.

The music and graphics for this podcast have been created using AI. Credit to kaazoom for the catchy tune!

The UK government has proposed banning under-16s from holding social media accounts - but does it actually protect children from AI?

Fiona and Holly are joined by child trauma psychotherapist Dr Catherine Knibbs, who isn't convinced the ban will work. They dig into what the ban is actually trying to fix, and whether removing access to named platforms touches the AI behind them - the recommendation algorithms widely described as addictive.

Covers: the UK social media ban explained, AI and addictive algorithms, will the social media ban work, what parents can actually do regardless of how the law lands.

Useful Links:

Official Government announcement

Dr Catherine Knibbs

Website

YouTube

Instagram

TikTok

Facebook

Find our website at raisinggenerationai.com

We're also on Facebook and Instagram.

The music and graphics for this podcast have been created using AI. Credit to kaazoom for the catchy tune!