"A white blank page and a swelling rage"

White Blank Page by Mumford & Sons

Hey Reader,

I'm delighted with how many Hoosiers responded to last week's newsletter. It was a win we all needed!

Kids vs Computers

With the advancement of computers and developing of AI it is getting harder and harder to teach kids people to think for themselves.

I get a little dopamine rush every time I can google the answer to a burning question. A thrill when ChatGPT can spit out a first draft.

But I also see how quickly I trust it.

I have rely on my education and training to suss out incorrect information. But there have been times that I've brought interesting facts to my husband and realized I was given wrong information or only a part of the story.

I once read an article about a study (I wish I could find it!) showing how the internet was hurting our personal relationships and cognitive growth. Back in the day, if you wondered something, you would ask your family and friends. It lead to conversations and shared interests. Now so many of the things I wonder, I simply pop into google and never say a word out loud. I am unintentionally stifling conversations, connection, and curiosity.

So what does this mean for the kids?

• Be Suspicious: It is so tempting to get an instant answer from AI and call it a day. The best advantage you can give kids is to ask "how do you know that?" Get in the habit of asking them for their sources. Have them dive a little deeper, read the article not just the answer. Connect it to other information you know.
• Protected Research: Encyclopedias and research books haven't disappeared, they just look different. Most libraries will give you free access to protected, vetted online search engines. World Book Encyclopedia is a common online resource provided by libraries.
• You're smarter than the computer: A lot of people are happy to let AI take the lead. But that is not how it works. It's like riding a horse- and you are the one holding the reigns. It is painfully obvious when a student has thrown a prompt into AI and stopped there.

In the end, it's impossible to avoid mistakes or being occasionally fooled by AI. But if your child understands the difference between facts & opinions, and can ask how people know information they will be at a huge advantage.

What's New?

🖍️ It's Wrong: Primary Focus denounces ICE and CBP operations happening in Minneapolis and around the country. These operations have terrified communities, broken children's right to education and safety, and most terribly- killed people. These operations impact us in a way much deeper than politics. This is about human rights.

❄️ Snowed In: I know so many of you are experiencing polar temps, snow, and ice. I hope you are safe and warm! Where I live in Charlotte was supposed to get a historic ice storm, but luckily the storm moved slightly north so we only got an ice glazing (don't worry they still canceled school for two days 😂).

Things I Love

🛒 Best of Trader Joe's: Trader Joe's revealed their number one products and my all time fav is #1

🎺 On repeat: One of my favorite artists is Ari Lennox. She released her new album last week and it's so good. I've got Twin Flame on repeat- perfect bop for Valentine's Day​

🎥 Must Watch: Every once in a while, we get a movie that is both critically acclaimed and commercially enjoyed. I watched One Battle After Another this weekend and it was SO GOOD. It strikes a balance between being action packed, funny, and thoughtful. I think this movie is going to sweep at award season!

Take care of yourself, 🩷