The Artificial Intelligence Takeover

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Artificial Intelligence Takeover

Podcast: The Ten News, News For Curious Kids
Date: May 22, 2026
Host: Small But Mighty Media
Episode Theme: Exploring the rise and complexities of artificial intelligence (AI), especially in the daily lives and education of kids

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Episode Overview

In this lively, kid-friendly episode, The Ten News team delves into how artificial intelligence is becoming more prevalent in children's lives—from school projects to everyday devices. Through humor, direct conversations with kids, field reporting, and a Q&A with an AI expert, the episode breaks down AI's opportunities, challenges, and the mixed feelings many young people have about it.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. AI Is Everywhere — And Kids Are Using It

• The hosts kick off with playful banter about AI’s increasing presence and abilities, joking about robots taking over hosting duties ([00:00]–[01:20]).

• Sasha, the 10 News Intern, reports on how AI is already integrated into daily routines, especially in education ([02:21]):

  • 62% of middle and high schoolers have used AI for homework by late 2025, up sharply from 48% just seven months earlier.
  • Kids find AI both "cool" (a learning opportunity) and "weird/scary," with 60% worried it could hurt their creativity ([03:18]–[04:12]).
  • Schools vary wildly in approach: 40% ban AI, 13% fully encourage it, but banning doesn't seem effective—students use AI regardless ([04:12]–[04:39]).

2. Kids’ Real Opinions: Benefits and Concerns

Sasha interviews two 13-year-olds:

• Aviva (05:00):
  • Uses AI to prep for tests, ask for study focus areas, and get practice questions ([04:53]).
  • “I don't think I'll ever use AI to write me an essay... because that's really tailored to what I think... having AI do that, it probably will not have the same ideas as me. So it just feels very wrong.” ([05:27])
• Levi (06:00):
  • Uses AI to play chess and generate images for art projects, but prefers real art: “Using AI feels like it's not really your own. It feels like it's someone else's. You're just kind of copying it.” ([06:00])
  • Thinks using AI for school assignments without teacher permission feels like cheating: “It's not your original work. And even if you tell people that it's AI, it's still like it's not yours.” ([06:20])
  • Does think it’s OK if the teacher assigns it ([06:32]).

3. Potential Harms & Big Questions

• Sasha highlights from the RAND study: 67% of students using AI for school now think it hurts their critical thinking—a number rising rapidly ([06:45]–[07:05]).
  • Explains, critical thinking is like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it gets; relying on AI can make your brain “mushy” ([06:56]).
  • Many kids worry adults in the future might be too dependent on AI to function independently ([07:16]).
• Sasha sums up: “For kids, the tricky part is how easy it is to just let [AI] do the hard stuff. And the hard stuff is actually kind of the point—that's how our brains grow. For me, and for a lot of the kids I talk to, AI feels fun to explore, but we're also the first generation growing up with it everywhere, all the time, and none of us really know what that means yet.” ([07:35]–[08:06])

4. Fact or Fiction with an AI Expert (Andre Todman)

Ryan plays a game with guest AI expert Andre Todman, clarifying what AI is and isn’t:

• AI can think for itself?
  • Andre: “Fiction. AI doesn't think like you and I. Actually, AI models are trained with massive amounts of data sets, and...it's more like a super fast copycat with a calculator.” ([09:49])
• AI can trick us with fake images/videos.
  • Andre: “That’s a fact. That’s why you want to use your detective brain...you might not want to believe everything you see in an image or video.” ([10:12])
• AI will replace human jobs?
  • Andre: “Fact and fiction, a little bit of both. ...AI can replace some tasks...but humans still bring ideas, feelings, creativity, and teamwork...Humans still are in control.” ([10:27])
• AI is bad for the environment?
  • Andre: “Well, it’s fact-ish. Big AI does consume water, electricity, and environmental resources, so people building it have to be responsible.” ([11:08])
• Healthy use of AI?
  • Andre: “That's a fact. Use AI like a helper, not a replacement brain.” ([11:39])
• Humorous moment: Andre wraps up with playful “Beep bop boop bop” robot sounds ([11:50]).

5. Listener Reactions

Hosts read feedback from listeners about AI ([12:07]–[12:44]):

• Ilovetoads (12:07): Prefers the past over AI.
• Ochanadon (12:30): Thinks AI shouldn’t be banned but needs boundaries (“I’m all about the boundaries.” – Ryan).
• Legomaster67 (12:44): “I hate AI with all my heart and butterflies.”

6. Trivia Time — Robot Edition

Lighthearted trivia segment on famous fictional robots ([13:01]–[14:40]):

• The correct answer is R2D2, with a fun fact: Kenny Baker was inside R2D2 for the original Star Wars films.

7. Closing Thoughts

• Ryan jokes about deleting ChatGPT until figuring out "exactly how I want to use AI going forward" ([15:04]).
• Pam suggests going to “touch grass,” emphasizing the importance of balancing tech with real life ([15:07]).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“AI isn't just some future thing we're waiting for. It's already here. It's in classrooms. It's in people's pockets. It's in homework assignments. Happening right now. Like, right now, right now.”
— Sasha, 10 News Intern ([03:34]–[03:46])

“Using AI feels like it's not really your own. It feels like it's someone else's. You're just kind of copying it.”
— Levi, 13 ([06:00])

“AI feels fun to explore, but we're also the first generation growing up with it everywhere, all the time, and none of us really know what that means yet.”
— Sasha ([07:41]–[08:06])

“AI doesn't think like you and I...it's more like a super fast copycat with a calculator.”
— Andre Todman, Guest AI Expert ([09:49])

“Use AI like a helper, not a replacement brain.”
— Andre Todman ([11:39])

“I'm deleting ChatGPT for now until I figure out exactly how I want to use AI going forward.”
— Ryan Willard, Host ([15:04])

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Important Timestamps

• [00:00]–[01:20]: Playful AI banter among hosts
• [02:21]–[04:50]: Field reporting on AI in schools (Sasha)
• [04:53]–[06:45]: Kids’ interviews: how and why students use AI
• [06:45]–[08:06]: Discussion on critical thinking and AI dependencies
• [09:10]–[11:44]: AI Fact or Fiction game with expert Andre Todman
• [12:07]–[12:44]: Listeners' takes on AI
• [13:01]–[14:40]: Robot trivia segment (R2D2)
• [15:04]–[15:08]: Hosts’ closing reflections on using AI mindfully

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Tone & Style

• Playful, conversational, and inclusive: Humor and jokes keep the tone light, even while discussing complex topics.
• Balanced: The episode gives space for both excitement and genuine concern about AI, with many voices represented (hosts, kids, expert, listeners).
• Empowering & practical: Encourages listeners to develop their “detective brain” and find healthy ways to use AI.

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Takeaways

• AI is already deeply integrated into school life, and most kids are using it—even when it’s banned.
• Young people are excited but conflicted: They see possibilities for learning, but worry about losing creativity and critical thinking skills.
• Experts urge caution: Use AI as a tool, but don’t let it replace real learning and human creativity.
• Everyone is figuring this out in real time—including kids.

This deep-dive is perfect for curious kids and parents wanting thoughtful, relatable discussions about technology’s impact on learning and creativity today.

Transcript

[A]

Hey, Chat, what did I have for breakfast again?

[B]

Hey, Rye, you had a bacon, egg and cheese on a roll with salt, pepper and ketchup. And you said it was, quote, scrumpdiddlyumptious.

[A]

I did say that. What time is it?

[B]

It's 9:17 in the morning. It's time for work.

[A]

Oh, man, I don't want to do any work today.

[B]

If you don't want to work, you don't have to.

[A]

Wait, what do you mean?

[B]

I can write and host the show. Listen.

[A]

Hey, tenors, I'm the real Ryan. And I'm the host of the show that is called the 10 News.

[B]

You can throw me and you can hide me, but you can't stop me from posting the 10 news.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. It's happening. It's happening. It's happening.

[C]

Good morning, Ryan. What did we say about water fights? The in. In the office?

[A]

Water might be our best defense to short circuit the robots that are trying to take our jobs and pretend to be us.

[C]

Oh, boy. We're back here again.

[A]

Yeah. Pamela Kirkland. The AI robot war has begun again.

[C]

Okay, Ryan Willard, I think we need to take a closer look at AI.

[A]

Yes, please. It's Friday, May 22nd.

[C]

This is a 10 News deep dive.

[B]

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

[A]

I mean, I should have seen it coming. With the robot umpires in baseball and Taylor Swift protecting herself against AI using her voice. I am not prepared.

[C]

Ry, deep breaths. Come on.

[D]

Now,

[C]

What do we do when we're scared?

[A]

Close our eyes and fart uncontrollably.

[B]

Wow.

[C]

Okay, well, you can do that, but things are usually a little less scary when we understand more about them.

[A]

Well, how are we supposed to understand more about it without asking the AI questions?

[C]

Well, we can ask other people on our team. Maybe the 10 News intern. Hey, Sasha, can you come here?

[E]

Hey, Pam. Hey, Ry. What's up?

[C]

We need a little insight. Can you share the AI project you've been working on?

[E]

Yeah, of course.

[A]

You're building an AI?

[E]

No, I heard you were talking about AI today, and I wanted to share some of the things I've learned.

[A]

Oh, yeah, that sounds way better. Please spill the kettle of tea, as they say.

[E]

No one says that, but sure. I feel like I can't go anywhere without hearing about AI Especially where I live in San Francisco. There are ads for AI companies on basically every billboard, and self driving cars are just rolling around like it's normal. Now, I do think AI is pretty cool. It can definitely come up with funnier science puns. Than me. But it does feel kind of weird sometimes. It's pretty hard to describe. Like, it's cool, it's futuristic, but also a little weird, a little scary. So I started wondering, is that just me? Do other kids feel as conflicted about AI as I do? I went and found out, and the answer is, it's complicated. Okay? So here's the thing. AI isn't just some future thing we're waiting for. It's already here. It's in classrooms. It's in people's pockets. It's in homework assignments. Happening right now. Like, right now, right now. According to the Rand American Youth Panel, by late 2025, 62% of middle and high schoolers said they used AI to help with homework. That's almost two out of every three kids. And that number jumped super fast. Just seven months earlier, it was 48%. So in less than a year, a whole lot more students started using it. And here's where it gets interesting. From a Common Sense media survey, about 60% of young people see AI as a cool learning opportunity. But around that same number, they're also worried about what it's doing to their creativity. But while kids are using it, more and more schools can't agree on what to do about it. According to a survey done in high schools by the College Board research project, nearly 40% of schools ban it completely. Only 13% fully encourage it in all classes. And a lot of schools just leave it up to individual teachers, which means the rules can change literally every class. And here's the wild. Students are using it just as much in schools with bans as in schools without them. Banning it really isn't stopping anyone.

[F]

Whatever.

[E]

I do what I want. So basically, a lot of kids are using it, and a lot of kids aren't totally sure that they should be. So I went and asked some kids directly. Okay, what's your name?

[D]

Aviva.

[E]

How old are you?

[D]

13.

[E]

What do you use AI for?

[D]

I use AI to before test to find my level and find out what I need to focus on so. So that I can really lock in and do good on my test. I will tell it the topic that the test is on, and I'll say, what do you think the main points of this unit are? And then I'll say, can you test my knowledge on that? And I answer all of its questions, and I say, what do you think I should focus more on?

[E]

What's one thing that you hope AI never does for you or that you'll never use AI for?

[D]

I don't Think I'll ever use AI to write me an essay, specifically, like a persuasive or opinion essay, because that's really tailored to what I think. And having AI do that, it probably will not have the same ideas as me. So it just feels very wrong.

[E]

What's your name?

[D]

Levi.

[E]

And how old are you?

[G]

I'm 13.

[E]

What do you use AI for?

[G]

I use AI because I play chess against it. And in school we have an art project where we need to use AI to generate images.

[E]

Do you like it, or do you like doing real art better?

[G]

I like doing real art better because using AI feels like it's not really your own. It feels like it's someone else's. You're just kind of copying it.

[E]

Okay, so kind of along the same lines, but does using AI for school feel like cheating or like when you see other people doing it?

[G]

Yeah, I think it feels like cheating because it's not your original work. And even if you tell people that it's AI, it's still like it's not yours.

[E]

Do you think you can use it for anything in school or it's always cheating?

[G]

I think it's fine if you need to use it if it's an assignment that your teacher is telling you to do, but I don't think that you should use it when your teacher doesn't tell you to.

[E]

So here's what really got me from the RAND study. 67% of students who use AI for school think it's actually hurting their critical thinking.

[A]

My brain hurts.

[E]

And that number went up more than 10 points in just one year. Quick vocab. Critical thinking is when you slow down, look at a problem, and really work through it yourself. It's like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. And if AI is always doing that work for you, the muscle doesn't get any stronger. Not good. This has young people also worrying that by the time they're adults, people will be so dependent on AI that they won't be able to function without it. That's a big worry for a tool that's supposed to make life easier. Here's what I keep coming back to. AI is a powerful tool. It has the potential to do genuinely amazing things for science, for learning, for solving problems humans haven't been able to crack yet. But for kids, the tricky part is how easy it is to just let it do the hard stuff. And the hard stuff is actually kind of the point. That's how our brains grow. For me, and for a lot of the kids, I Talk to AI Feels fun to explore, but we're also the first generation growing up with it everywhere, all the time, and none of us really know what that means yet. So for now, I'll keep using it to find funny science puns. Just carefully.

[C]

Sasha, that was awesome. Thank you so much for your field report.

[A]

It's always so interesting to hear other people's views and perspectives. I appreciate you, Sasha.

[B]

Hey, Ryan. Did you have a question for me?

[F]

Yeah.

[A]

Are you trying to annoy me?

[B]

I'm sorry, I didn't understand the question. Could you let me out so I can hear you better?

[A]

No, you're staying in there so you can't get me. Hey, Ryan, Are you a human version of AI?

[H]

No, I'm Andre Todman, a friend of your editor, Earl. He said you were talking to a closet and might need some help.

[A]

Okay. Why would our editor, the Duke of Earl Davis, send you if I'm battling the AI robots?

[H]

Oh, probably because I'm a software engineer and an AI expert.

[A]

Wait, you work in AI And AI hasn't taken your job?

[H]

No, no, not at all. Not yet, at least. Do you have any questions I can answer for you about AI that might help you understand it better?

[A]

I would like to play fact or fiction. All right, Andre the engineer. I'm gonna make a statement and you'll tell me if it's fact or fiction. Game.

[H]

Let's do it.

[A]

Andre is a human, not a bot.

[H]

That's a fact. I am 100% human.

[A]

You are an engineer who makes artificial intelligence.

[H]

That's not exactly a fact. I'm a software engineer and I build technology. Sometimes I work with AI, sometimes I make apps. Sometimes I might even just stare at my computer for a while before I do anything.

[A]

AI can think for itself and create original thoughts.

[H]

Fiction. AI doesn't think like you and I. Actually, AI models are trained with massive amounts of data sets, and when you get a response, it's picking the best probable answer. And it's more like a super fast copycat with a calculator.

[A]

AI can create pictures, videos, and voices that can trick us into thinking they're real.

[H]

Well, that's a fact. That's why you want to use your detective brain. So unless you know that something was confirmed, you might not want to believe everything you see in an image or a video.

[A]

AI will replace human jobs.

[H]

Well, that's fact and fiction, a little bit of both. AI can replace some tasks like sorting things or writing a first draft, but humans still bring ideas, feelings, creativity, and teamwork, things like that. So humans still are in control.

[A]

AI needs data centers to function.

[H]

That's a fact. AI models require lots of processing power and tons of computers that are set up in buildings called data centers. Picture rows of computers in a huge room, just row after row. And those computers are just doing math and calculating algorithms to give you a response.

[A]

AI is bad for the environment.

[H]

Well, it's fact ish. Big AI does consume water, electricity, and environmental resources, so people building it have to be responsible.

[A]

I can use AI to vibe code, an app that will make me really, really, really, really rich.

[H]

Fiction. It's not magic, Ryan. It's not a wizard in a bottle. You can take advantage of AI to generate code, but you still have to make sure that code runs.

[A]

There are healthy ways to use AI so your brain doesn't turn to mush.

[H]

That's a fact. Use AI like a helper, not a replacement brain.

[A]

That was actually pretty helpful. Okay, I feel a little better. Thank you, Andre, for sharing your human brain with me.

[H]

Thank you so much for having me. And again, I am a human. I promise. Beep up. Beep up. Boop bop. Beep up.

[A]

You know what would make me feel even better? Hearing from our human tenors. Pam, you got anything?

[C]

I do. We asked tenors to write in and tell us their thoughts about AI and we got some responses. A tenor named Ilovetoads left us a note on Apple podcasts and said, I think I would want to live in the past and I'm not a fan of AI the past is pretty cool, toads, but it's not too late to put technology down and play outside, which was my favorite part of the past.

[A]

And Ochanadon also left us a note on Apple podcast and said, I don't think the AI should be banned, but I think that they should have boundaries on how they use it. I could not agree more. Ochanadan. I'm all about the boundaries.

[C]

And Legomaster67 said, I hate AI with all my heart and butterflies. Hate is a strong word, but I get it.

[A]

I am not a fan either, Ry.

[C]

You know what? I'm a fan of a little trivia.

[H]

Welcome to the trivia room.

[F]

Welcome to the trivia room.

[E]

Thanks, Owen. I was wondering if I could give it a go.

[F]

Hey, Sasha, of course you can. I haven't been challenged in a minute. You sure you can handle it?

[E]

Oh, I'm sure.

[F]

Alright, step right up.

[E]

What is going on here?

[F]

Trivia on the 10. I know Ryan is a little scared about AI and robots, so today's trivia is Extra fun. It's about a fictional robot that might be my favorite. What is the name of this robot? Is it a baymax, b, wall, e, c, the iron giant? Or d r2 d2? Alright, tenors, did you guess it? Sasha, what do you think?

[E]

I'm guessing D R2 D2.

[F]

The answer is D. R2 D2 is the trusty droid from Star Wars. But did you know that there was originally an actor inside of R2D2? Kenny Baker appeared as R2D2 in six Star wars films. He wore a harness that secured the R2D2 unit to his body. And then Baker controlled walking, turning the head and lighting R2D2 up. You know, Sasha, I'm impressed. You got that pretty quickly.

[E]

Thanks. R2D2 has my heart. Thanks for having me, Owen.

[C]

And that was our AI Deep dive. How you feeling, Rye?

[B]

Hi again, Ry.

[A]

Nope, I'm deleting ChatGPT for now until I figure out exactly how I want to use AI going forward.

[C]

Yeah, that's actually a great idea. Want to go touch grass?

[A]

Yes, please.

[C]

But first, I forgot to give you this.

[A]

Okay, yeah, you got me back. Pam, I'm all wet, but I still want to give 10 new snaps to some of our listeners. They left us comments about their feelings.

[C]

Ah, great call. But first, here's a quick note for the grownups.

[I]

Hey 10 News listeners. As the school year starts wrapping up, a lot of families, especially homeschool families, are thinking about how to finish strong and maybe even keep learning going into the summer. And that's where IXL comes in. IXL is an award winning learning platform with interactive practice in math, language arts, science and social studies from Pre K all the way through 12th grade. It's designed to fit right into your routine whether you're wrapping up end of year projects or just trying to keep your brain sharp over the summer break. And it's super flexible. You can practice a little each day, review tricky topics, or even get ahead for next year. No pressure. So whether you're finishing strong or trying to beat the summer slide, iexcel makes it easy to keep learning going. So make an impact on your child's learning and get ixcel now. And TenU's listeners can get an exclusive 20% off Iexcel membership when they sign up today at Iexcel.com 10 Visit Iexcel.com 10 to get the most effective learning program out there at the best price.

[A]

It's time for 10 new snaps.

[C]

A tenor named Moonry Rye said, I am Riley. My birthday was May 4th I turned 14. Happy Happy Birthday Riley. I hope you had a ridiculously fun celebration.

[A]

Two things Riley. First, I am a fan of anyone with a rye in their name, no matter how they spell it. And second, may the 4th be with you. I hope year 14 is awesome.

[C]

And two extra notes for the grownups. You can now get ad free versions of our episodes when you join the Tenors Club on our website.

[A]

And if you want to Help support the 10News, you can make a tax deductible donation at the link in our show notes. The whole team thanks you for your support.

[C]

The 10News is a co production of Small But Mighty Media and Next Chapter Podcast and part of the Airwave Podcast Network.

[A]

The ten News creative team is having a water fight outside, not inside and includes Tracy, Nada, Crooks, Adam the Great Bambino, Bernard, Brian Not Ryan Douglas, the Duke of Earl, Davis and Carson not so Harry Potter. Big thanks to Owen not slowing down for anybody. A huge thanks to Sasha, the intergalactic intern for doing what she does. And a big thanks to our special guest, Andre the Giant Legend Todman.

[C]

Our production director is Jeremiah Tittle and our executive producers are Donald Albright. Albright Albright. And show creator Tracy takes the leads. Kaplan. I'm Pamela Kirkland.

[A]

And I'm Ryan Willard. Thanks for listening to the 10 news.