Will AI Replace What it Means to be Human?
Here are 5 Things AI Can't Replace in your Child's Life
AI is undeniably the buzzword of 2025. Visionary leaders like Mark Zuckerberg recognize that social media’s influence is waning in the face of growing skepticism. Users are wising up to the mounting evidence of harm, misinformation (recall the recent loss of fact-checking), and toxic interactions. Gen Z users in particular are looking up, and finding ways to ditch their addictive apps.
So what are Zuckerberg and other Silicon Valley innovators up to? They’re shifting their attention to Artificial Intelligence to try to keep young users engaged. It’s here—powerful, pervasive, and advancing rapidly with little regulation in sight. Right now, AI is transforming our internet searches, social media feeds, and even our classrooms.
When I think about our children, I see both tremendous potential and serious concerns. AI offers exciting possibilities—co-creating stories, inventing fun recipes that kids will actually enjoy, and tailoring learning experiences to each child's unique style and level. However, like any groundbreaking technology, AI also raises questions about its impact on our kids’ development, especially regarding increased screen time, misinformation, and virtual worlds that can be hard to detach from.
Today, I want to focus on what AI cannot—and should not—take away from your children. While embracing AI as a responsible tool, we must emphasize the irreplaceable value of the human experience in their growth.
So, What Can’t AI Do for Children?
1. Replace Genuine Creativity
But wait! AI can generate stories, art, and music from simple prompts. Doesn’t this generate creativity? When everyone has access to the same AI tools, the playing field becomes level, but the spark of genuine innovation still depends on the human mind.
The real magic happens when children take a basic AI-generated story or idea and twist, expand, and personalize it through their own imagination. This still requires developing the skill, through exploring nature, engaging their senses, and embracing boredom. It’s in those unstructured moments that ideas ignite.
Looking ahead, employers will value creative problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and adaptability—traits that AI cannot replicate. These qualities will become the differentiators in a world where technical skills are increasingly automated.
2. Preserve the Human Touch in Education
AI is already beginning to reshape classrooms—sometimes replacing teachers, often supplementing their roles. When used thoughtfully, AI can personalize learning and support diverse needs. But it cannot—and should not—replace the human elements that make education meaningful.
For many children, school is a sanctuary—a safe space away from chaotic or unstable home environments. Teachers serve as mentors, role models, and sources of emotional support. The human connection fosters empathy, resilience, and social skills—qualities that machines cannot replicate.
In our pursuit of technological advancement, let’s remember that education is as much about nurturing the human spirit as it is about imparting knowledge.
3. Move Our Bodies
AI can track fitness metrics, suggest workouts, and gamify exercise routines. But no matter how sophisticated the technology, the act of moving your body remains a personal choice. The majority of digital devices tend to promote sedentary behaviour—a trend we must actively challenge.
Physical activity is vital for overall health, mood, and cognitive function. The key is to involve children in activities they genuinely enjoy—whether that’s organized sports, casual games outdoors, or dance. If AI can help supplement this, great- but it cannot replace it.
4. Maintain Authentic Human Connections
Platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and WhatsApp are increasingly integrating AI chatbots designed to mimic human empathy and keep children engaged online. While these bots can simulate conversation, they lack the depth, warmth, and spontaneity of real human interaction.
Face-to-face contact involves nuances—eye contact, facial expressions, pheromones, and physical touch—that foster trust and emotional bonding. These are irreplaceable aspects of human connection.
Could chatbots serve short-term purposes, like practicing social skills or providing companionship? Possibly. But their addictive nature and potential to mislead or ‘hallucinate’ make them poor substitutes for genuine relationships. For now, I believe we should prioritize real-world interactions and be cautious about relying on virtual substitutes (By the way, Stanford researchers agree).
5. Experience the Healing Power of Nature
Virtual reality and the metaverse offer incredible opportunities—imagine exploring distant rainforests or lounging on a tropical island from your living room. It’s impressive, but it’s not a substitute for the real thing.
Time spent in nature offers proven benefits: elevating mood, reducing stress, fostering social bonds, and enhancing cognitive performance. It also promotes physical health through activity, improves sleep, and supports spiritual and personal growth.
While virtual adventures can be fun, they should complement—not replace—outdoor experiences. Balance is key to nurturing well-rounded, resilient children.
In Conclusion
AI is here to stay, and will inevitably change many aspects of our lives- for better or worse. When it comes to our children, with the current state of regulation (none), I think we need to proceed with caution. Don’t take chances the way that many did as early adopters of social media. Take the time to understand the applications our children may be using both at home and at school, and approach with healthy skepticism.
If you’re looking for a thought-provoking, well rounded conversation around the potential pros and pitfalls of AI, check out this Diary of a CEO podcast!