In this episode of the Sustainable Media Center’s Substack Live, Emma Lembke sits down with Gen Z board member and high school senior Raziya Palmer, a student at Success Academy High School of the Liberal Arts in Harlem, for a candid conversation about growing up in the age of AI and social media.

Raziya offers a grounded, firsthand perspective on how deeply AI has already been woven into student life. What began as a tool like ChatGPT has quickly become embedded across platforms, from search engines to schoolwork. While many students rely on AI to keep up with increasing academic pressure, Raziya raises concerns about what’s being lost: the ability to think critically, struggle through problems, and truly learn.

The conversation expands into the broader role of social media in Gen Z’s daily life. Raziya describes it as both addictive and essential, a space for connection and expression, but also one that shapes identity, attention, and even childhood itself. She points to a cultural shift where younger kids are skipping traditional developmental experiences, influenced instead by algorithm-driven content.

At the same time, she challenges a common assumption: that Gen Z is passively consumed by technology. Instead, she argues that many young people are acutely aware of the trade-offs. In fact, she suggests that older generations may be more vulnerable to AI-driven misinformation, lacking the digital instincts younger users have developed.

The episode closes on a note of balance and responsibility. Raziya calls for healthier tech habits among young people, encouraging a mix of digital and real-world engagement, while urging older generations to better understand the tools shaping their lives. Across both perspectives, one theme stands out: the future of technology isn’t just about innovation, it’s about how intentionally we choose to use it.