Entering a conversation about Artificial Intelligence can often leave parents feeling overwhelmed and behind the curve. However, speaking with Michele L. Jawando offers a refreshing shift in perspective. As the CEO of Omidyar Network and a former Google executive, Jawando operates at the high-stakes intersection of technology and social change. Yet, it is her role as a mother of four—ranging from a teenager to a seven-year-old—that informs her most profound insights. Living in an intergenerational household, she views the complexities of modern parenting with a grounded, matter-of-fact optimism that suggests we aren’t just victims of technological progress; we are its potential architects.
Understanding the Shift in Digital Sentiment
The current landscape of AI and youth is marked by a growing sense of disillusionment. Recent Gallup data highlights a significant decline in excitement among Gen Z regarding AI, with feelings of hopefulness dropping as skepticism and frustration rise. These statistics reflect a generation that is weary of the digital status quo. Having witnessed the societal fallout of the social media era, Jawando views this skepticism not as a dead end, but as a crucial turning point. She posits that because we are still feeling the “shocks” of social media’s impact on mental health and connection, we are better equipped to demand and design a more ethical framework for AI.
Reframing Technology as a Tool for Human Connection
Jawando’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that technology was originally intended to bridge gaps between people. Drawing from her experience in civil rights and tech accessibility, she recalls a “Star Trek” ideal where tools exist to protect humanity and solve collective problems. Over time, the focus shifted toward profit-driven algorithms and addictive design. AI represents a second chance to reclaim that original purpose. Jawando notes that a diverse coalition—including parents, educators, and even teenagers themselves—is now actively working to ensure that the next generation of technology prioritizes human well-being over corporate gain.
“The only person I would never bet against is a parent. Because parents will go to the mat and we will fight with everything that we have for our children.”
Harnessing the Curiosity Gap
Despite the dip in overall optimism, nearly half of Gen Z remains curious about AI. Jawando identifies this as the “curiosity gap,” where interest is grounded in critical thinking rather than blind acceptance. This generation is more discerning; they are digital natives who recognize when technology feels superficial or “weak sauce.” For parents, this provides a unique opening. Rather than focusing solely on monitoring screen time, Jawando suggests engaging with the “why” behind the apps. By staying curious about how their children use these tools, parents can help them navigate the difference between data-harvesting platforms and technology that offers genuine value.
Empowering Parents to Lead the Change
It is easy for parents to feel powerless against tech giants, but Jawando insists the tide is turning. Regulatory conversations around AI are moving much faster than they did for social media, largely because parents have developed the “muscle memory” to identify and challenge harmful digital trends. She encourages families to move as consumers toward “responsible technology”—ecosystems and platforms designed with safety and holism in mind. By choosing platforms that prioritize user protection, parents can help drive the market toward more wholesome digital environments.
Redefining Learning in the Age of Automation
When it comes to the classroom, the line between using AI as a resource and using it as a mental shortcut is increasingly blurred. Jawando suggests that the problem isn’t the technology itself, but the nature of the questions we ask. If a prompt only requires a factual answer that AI can easily provide, it fails to tap into a child’s critical thinking. The goal should be to move toward inquiries that explore tension, stakes, and unique perspectives—areas where human wisdom is irreplaceable. By creating space for mistakes and the “moment of not-getting-it,” we allow children to develop their own “actual intelligence” rather than just outsourcing their thoughts.
The Value of Unique Human Wisdom
Ultimately, the rise of AI is forcing a return to the question of what makes us human. Jawando emphasizes that technology should augment, not replace, our individual identities. She sees this play out in her own home: for her daughter, who is autistic, platforms like Roblox provided a vital space for neurodiverse community and belonging. Conversely, she has seen how the same systems can be used to target vulnerable seniors, like her own mother, through online scams. This duality highlights that technology is neither inherently good nor bad; its impact depends on who it is designed for and the intentions of those behind it.
“This moment is forcing all of us to ask: what is human right now? What is unique and special? And what is the story that only you can tell?”
Final Thoughts on Designing a Better Future
The conversation around AI and motherhood doesn’t have to be defined by fear. Instead, it can be a call to action to return to depth, individual identity, and authentic connection. By leveraging the power of parental advocacy and staying deeply engaged with our children’s digital lives, we can help shape a future where technology serves humanity. As Jawando notes, a parent’s drive to protect their child’s future is one of the most powerful forces for change. By prioritizing “actual intelligence” and unique personal stories, we ensure that the next technological era is built on a foundation of human wisdom rather than just algorithmic efficiency.
MEET THE EXPERT
Michele L. Jawando is a distinguished civil rights attorney and the CEO of the Omidyar Network, a social change venture dedicated to technology, democracy, and economic equity. Formerly an executive at Google and a staff member for the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, she currently co-chairs Humanity AI. She lives in the Washington, D.C. area, managing an intergenerational household with her husband, four children, and parents.
