## Harry Backs Youth Advocates Pushing for Social Media and AI Safety
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, made a surprise appearance at a Brooklyn conference room on Thursday to meet with and fund a group of young leaders dedicated to tech safety, policy, and innovation. The event, hosted by the Responsible Tech Youth Power Fund (RTYPF), saw the Duke’s Archewell Foundation, alongside other organizations like Pinterest and Melinda French Gates’ Pivotal Ventures, supporting the fund’s second cohort of grantees.
TechCrunch was granted exclusive access to the event, providing a glimpse into the concerns and aspirations of these young advocates navigating the rapidly evolving technological landscape. The average age of attendees hovered around 22, and their focus remained firmly fixed on the impact of social media and the burgeoning potential of artificial intelligence.
“Thank God you guys exist, thank God you guys are here,” Prince Harry told the assembled youth, emphasizing the critical role they play in holding tech platforms accountable. He noted the immense power these platforms wield, suggesting they have, in some cases, surpassed the influence of governments. He stressed the lack of responsibility these platforms have taken in ensuring the safety of their online communities, prioritizing profit over user well-being.
The young attendees voiced cautious optimism about the future of AI, but expressed deep concerns about the pervasive and often harmful influence of social media on their lives. They pointed out the speed at which technology is advancing, outpacing the ability of laws and regulations to keep up.
Lydia Burns, 27, who leads youth and community partnerships at the nonprofit Seek Common Grounds, articulated a sentiment shared by many: “It’s not that the youth are anti-technology. It’s just that we feel we should have more input and seats at the table to talk about how these things impact our lives.”
### Social Media: A Growing Source of Anxiety
Conversations at the event consistently circled back to the pervasive influence of social media. Attendees expressed concern that its reach is expanding into every facet of young people’s lives, with the potential for increasingly negative consequences.
Adam Billen, 23, who works with Encode, an organization advocating for safe and responsible AI, is deeply concerned about the ease with which AI-generated content, specifically deepfake pornography, can be created and disseminated, especially on social media. “As recently as two years ago, it was just not possible for someone without technical expertise to create realistic AI nudes of someone,” Billen explained. “But today, with advances in generative AI, there are apps and websites publicly available for free that are being advertised to kids.” He cited instances of young people using AI to create and share non-consensual intimate images of classmates, highlighting the lack of adequate safeguards and the urgent need for legislation.
Sneha Dave, 26, founder of Generation Patient, an organization advocating for young people with chronic conditions, raised concerns about the proliferation of pharmaceutical advertisements and paid endorsements by influencers on social media, especially targeting teenagers. She questioned the oversight mechanisms in place to prevent the spread of misinformation.
Yoelle Gulko, 22, working on a film to expose the dangers of social media, painted a stark picture of the mental health crisis unfolding on college campuses, with many students choosing to delete their social media accounts altogether, feeling overwhelmed and helpless. “Young people shouldn’t be left to fend for themselves,” Gulko stated. “Young people should really be given the tools to succeed online, and that’s something a lot of us are doing.”
### A Generation Demands a Voice
These young advocates are not simply identifying problems; they are actively seeking solutions and demanding a voice in shaping the future of technology.
Leo Wu, 21, founder of AI Consensus, recognized the initial negative reaction to ChatGPT and sought to shift the narrative. His organization works with students, tech companies, and educational institutions to promote the responsible and beneficial use of AI in education. He emphasizes the importance of fostering critical thinking skills alongside technological proficiency. “Is it a teenager’s fault for being addicted to Instagram?” Wu questioned, highlighting the responsibility of companies to create ethical and non-addictive technologies.
Jennifer Wang, founder of Paragon, connects students with governments seeking youth perspectives on tech policy. Meanwhile, Sneha Dave of Generation Patient is advocating for greater collaboration between regulatory bodies like the FDA and FTC, and pushing for legislation to protect patients from deceptive drug advertising. Adam Billen is supporting legislation requiring disclosure when interacting with AI and considering bills aimed at protecting minors from harmful chatbot interactions.
The event concluded with Prince Harry engaging in a conversation with Leo Wu about the opportunities and dangers of AI. They discussed the crucial need for accountability and the power to effect change, which Wu succinctly summarized: “The people in this room.” The message was clear: these young leaders are ready to take the reins and shape a safer, more responsible technological future.
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