Youth ‘Co-Creators’ are Busting (adult) Myths about AI and Mental Health 

As conversations around artificial intelligence and mental health continue to evolve, youth's perspective is often missing. During San Francisco Tech Week, SecondMuse’s Headstream program, in collaboration with Hopelab and ImpactAlpha, set out to change that. By centering young people as co-creators, the discussion uncovered fresh insights into how AI and digital tools can be designed to truly support mental well-being.

During San Francisco Tech Week, SecondMuse’s Headstream program partnered with Hopelab and ImpactAlpha to host a discussion that put youth voices at the center. The event brought together changemakers who are rethinking how digital tools are built, from privacy features to AI-driven mental health support.

A recent ImpactAlpha article captures how these youth co-creators are challenging long-held assumptions about teens and technology. “A lot of adults tend to make assumptions about teens and our use of technology,” said Kaelyn Tan, a Headstream Youth Co-Creator. “I think it would be helpful if we were asked how adult allies could support us, and how systems can start being more youth-centered.”

Through Headstream, SecondMuse continues to advance youth co-creation as a means to design technology that is relevant, responsible, and grounded in real-world experience.