Course 8, lesson 75 of 100, Ages 11+
AI and your wellbeing
Healthy habits with smart tech
Like I’m 5
AI apps can be fun and helpful, but too much screen time can leave you tired or grumpy. Balance screens with play, sleep and time with people.
The big idea
Many apps use AI to keep you scrolling, by learning exactly what grabs your attention. That's why it can be hard to stop. Noticing this helps you take back control.
Healthy habits: set time limits, keep screens out of the bedroom at night, take breaks to move, and talk to real people about big feelings. Chatbots can be friendly, but they aren't a replacement for friends, family or professional help.
Examples
- Endless feeds: Recommendations keep serving the next video automatically.
- Bedtime: Screens before sleep can make it harder to fall asleep.
- Big feelings: Talking to a trusted adult helps more than talking to an app.
How it works
- Notice when an app is keeping you longer than you planned.
- Set limits and take regular breaks.
- Spend time offline with people and activities you enjoy.
Check your understanding
- Why can it be hard to stop scrolling?
- Options: AI learns what grabs your attention and keeps serving it; Phones are glued to hands; Videos never end on purpose.
Answer: AI learns what grabs your attention and keeps serving it. Recommendation systems are designed to hold attention. - Who's best to talk to about big worries?
- Options: A trusted adult or friend; Only a chatbot; Nobody.
Answer: A trusted adult or friend. People who know you can support you best.
Remember
AI apps are built to hold attention. Set limits, take breaks and stay connected with people.
Talk about it
What's one screen habit you'd like to change, and how?
Go deeper
Engagement-optimised recommender systems can conflict with wellbeing. Design approaches like time-well-spent features and family controls aim to rebalance this.