Entering a conversation with Michele L. Jawando can feel intimidating at first. As the CEO of the Omidyar Network and a former Google executive, her resume is a masterclass in high-stakes social change. She is a civil rights attorney who has navigated the halls of Congress and shared stages at major global forums like SXSW. Yet, when you speak with her, the conversation quickly shifts from corporate strategy to the kitchen table. Michele is a mother of four—ranging from a teenager to a seven-year-old—living in a vibrant, intergenerational home alongside her husband and parents. It is this lived experience as a parent that fuels her surprisingly optimistic outlook on the future of artificial intelligence.
While many headlines regarding children and technology are discouraging, Jawando offers a refreshing perspective. Recent data from Gallup indicates a sharp decline in Gen Z’s enthusiasm for AI, with feelings of hope dropping as frustration rises. For many, these statistics signal a generation already burnt out by the digital age. However, Jawando views this skepticism not as a dead end, but as a crucial turning point.
Moving Beyond the Mistakes of the Social Media Era
Jawando argues that we are currently living through the “shocks” caused by the unregulated rise of social media. Because we have seen the impact on children’s mental health and social development, we are better equipped to handle the AI revolution. She maintains that AI is not a predetermined fate; it is a tool designed by humans. This means we have the agency to design it differently this time.
Reflecting on her tenure at Google, Jawando recalls working on accessibility with groups like the National Federation for the Blind. She witnessed firsthand what happens when diverse voices are included—or excluded—from the development process. Drawing inspiration from science fiction, she believes technology’s ultimate purpose should be to foster human connection and solve complex problems, rather than simply maximizing profit or engagement. She sees the current moment as a chance to reclaim that original intent.
The Curiosity Gap: Why Skepticism is a Sign of Intelligence
Despite the dip in overall excitement, nearly half of Gen Z remains curious about AI. Jawando calls this the “curiosity gap.” She believes this curiosity is rooted in critical thinking. Having grown up as digital natives, today’s youth are more discerning. They recognize when a digital experience feels “weak” or exploitative. They aren’t disinterested; they are waiting for something better—something that offers more value than just another algorithm-driven feed.
For parents, this is an invitation to engage. Jawando suggests that instead of simply monitoring screen time, we should investigate the “why” behind our children’s tech usage. By understanding what they are looking for in these platforms, parents can help guide them toward tools that prioritize safety and human-centric design over data harvesting.
Empowering Parents to Drive Responsible Innovation
It is easy for parents to feel powerless against tech giants, but Jawando insists the tide is turning. A growing coalition of parents, educators, and civil rights advocates is already influencing policy. With over 25 states introducing AI legislation, the movement toward responsible technology is moving significantly faster than the response to social media ever did. This “muscle memory” from the social media era allows parents to act as a powerful force in the market.
She points to emerging platforms that prioritize user protection as evidence that safer ecosystems are possible. By choosing “wholesome” and holistic digital tools, consumers can force companies to rethink their development strategies. Parents, Jawando believes, are the ultimate advocates because their motivation is rooted in the protection of their children—a force no corporation can truly match.
Redefining Intelligence in the Classroom
The “shortcut problem”—where students use AI to complete assignments—is a major concern for many families. Jawando suggests that the solution lies in changing the questions we ask. If a prompt can be answered entirely by a chatbot, it likely isn’t tapping into a student’s deeper cognitive abilities. Instead of focusing on rote facts, educators and parents should encourage children to explore the “why” and “how” of a subject—the tensions, the human stakes, and the unique perspectives that an algorithm cannot replicate.
She emphasizes that we often overlook a child’s “individual wisdom.” By creating environments where it is safe to make mistakes and express uncertainty, we allow children to develop their “actual intelligence.” The goal is to use technology to augment these human qualities rather than replace them.
The Duality of Technology: Belonging vs. Risk
Jawando’s perspective is shaped by the contrasting ways technology touches her own family. One of her daughters, who is autistic, found a sense of community and belonging through digital platforms like Roblox, where the social friction of the physical world was minimized. For her, technology acted as a bridge to connection. Conversely, Jawando has also helped her mother navigate the trauma of online scams, seeing how the same systems can be used for exploitation.
This duality reinforces her belief that technology is neither inherently good nor bad. The real question is: who is it being designed for, and who has a seat at the table during its creation? This focus on identity and human-centric design is what Jawando fights for daily.
Summary: The Power of the Protective Parent
Ultimately, the transition into an AI-driven world requires us to ask what makes us uniquely human. It pushes us toward depth and individual identity in a world that has often felt flattened by digital performance. As Michele L. Jawando highlights, the most significant factor in shaping a better digital future is the relentless advocacy of parents. Their instinct to protect and provide for their children is the most powerful tool we have to ensure that the technology of tomorrow serves the humanity of today. By staying curious, demanding better design, and valuing our children’s unique wisdom, we can turn the challenges of AI into a path toward genuine progress.
