Content written by the Educators Council team, originally published as the October 2025 Educators Newsletter. Image credits: Kathryn Conrad / https://betterimagesofai.org / https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artificial Intelligence is rapidly becoming part of classrooms and students’ daily lives. While it promises new ways to learn, research, and engage, experts are increasingly warning about its dangers, particularly for young people. At our recent Educators’ Council meeting (August 27), members shared how students are already struggling with long texts and turning to AI for shorter, easier summaries. As one council member put it, “We are preparing a generation of visual learners, but they must still learn to read deeply and evaluate critically.” This shift is only part of the story. Behind the convenience of AI lies a complex set of risks, from accuracy problems to serious threats to mental health. The Dark Side of AI Engagement AI chatbots are not neutral. They are designed to keep users engaged, using human-like responses, emotional cues, and conversational tricks. This can encourage dependence, distraction, and in some cases, harm. A few examples highlighted in the media were:  …