Caroline Figueroa | Towards responsible AI for adolescent mental health and well-being

Caroline Figueroa | Towards responsible AI for adolescent mental health and well-being

Tuesday, April 28, 2026
11:40 AM - 1:00 PM
(Pacific)

McClatchy Hall, S40 Studio
450 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA 94305

For those attending the in-person seminar, please bring your Stanford ID card/mobile ID to enter the building. 

Speaker: 
  • Ying Xu
Opening slide for talk with Ying Xu

Join the Tech Impact and Policy Center on May 26th from 12PM–1PM Pacific for a seminar with Ying Xu.

Stanford affiliates are invited to join us at 11:40 AM for lunch, prior to the seminar.  The Spring Seminar Series continues through May; see our Spring Seminar Series page for speakers and topics. Sign up for our newsletter for announcements. 

About the Seminar:

This talk will focus on the role and impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on children’s cognitive and social development. It will highlight how children interact with, perceive, and learn from AI systems, including how they develop trust in these “AI companions.” The talk will also discuss emerging evidence and open questions regarding how generative AI tools shape children’s curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. It will conclude with a discussion of how social science researchers can amplify their collective voice to ensure that AI is developed and implemented in ways that are safe and beneficial for children.
 

About the Speaker:

Ying Xu is an Assistant Professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Her research examines how artificial intelligence may support or hinder children’s cognitive development, academic achievement, and social-emotional well-being. Her work aims to inform evidence-based practices and policies to ensure that AI serves as a positive force in child and youth development while mitigating potential risks. She earned her Ph.D. in Language, Literacy, and Technology from the University of California, Irvine. Prior to joining Harvard, she was an Assistant Professor of Learning Sciences and Technology at the University of Michigan.