➡️ AI "Friend" Pendant

What?

• The tagline for this AI wearable is "Always listening" because it listens to what's happening around the wearer and can respond, like a social companion, using Anthropic's Claude 3.5 LLM.

• Though it can send you chatty text messages in response to what the microphone "hears," you can also press a button to ask it a question.

• It's different from some others that have been released (like Rabbit) in that it doesn't focus at all on productivity, just social connection to the wearer. (And it encourages you to name it.)

Now What?

• Given the feelings of loneliness some young people report, AI chatbots are gaining in popularity. Ask kids: How is an AI companion different from a real, human friend?

• Discuss what the appeal of a wearable chatbot like this might be. It might offer some comfort, but what are the potential downsides over time?

• The developer says the device won't store recordings. Talk about how often people actually read privacy policies thoroughly: What are the potential privacy risks with a device like this?

➡️ Being a Brand

What?

• Mr. Beast, a wildly popular social media star, now has a TV show, a line of snacks, and toys. 

• Then there's Ryan's World, which began as a YouTube channel when Ryan himself was about 3 years old, and has had a similar trajectory into massive fame and merchandising.

• "Personal branding" is a social media strategy that captures and promotes the essence of your online presence, usually to gain influence and make money.

Now What?

• Ask kids: What does it mean for a human being to be a "brand"? How might it affect someone's life and well-being?

• Skibidi toilet, a video series turned meme, is now a brand with a physical toy and a TV show and movie in the works! Ask kids: What are the pros and cons of anything and everything potentially becoming a brand/merchandise?

• Do you like when there's merchandise based on a person or thing you love? Why or why not?