5 Things Young People Must Do to Thrive in the AI Era

s artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes the world, solving complex problems and even outpacing human creativity, young people face a critical challenge: how to stay relevant in an AI-driven future.

Po-Shen Loh, a mathematician, Carnegie Mellon professor, and social entrepreneur, warns that over-reliance on AI could weaken critical thinking and mental fitness, leaving the next generation unprepared.

Drawing from his insights, this blog offers a clear, actionable list of five things young people must do to thrive in the AI era, blending thoughtfulness, creativity, and community to stay ahead.

1. Practice Thinking for Yourself

AI can write essays or solve math problems, but using it as a crutch during school undermines your ability to think independently. Loh compares this to skipping exercise: “Using AI to do your writing homework in school is like saying, ‘I’m not going to run a mile for exercise. I’m going to drive my car one mile for exercise.’ How much exercise do you get? You get none.”

What to do:

• Tackle homework, especially writing and problem-solving, without AI tools to build mental strength.
• Practice breaking down problems you’ve never seen before, like puzzles or open-ended questions, to sharpen logical thinking.
• Reflect on your work: ask, “What did I learn?” rather than focusing only on the answer.

This builds the mental fitness needed to navigate a world where AI handles routine tasks, ensuring you can think critically when it matters most.

2. Hone Communication and Empathy

In an era where AI can generate ideas, human connection remains a unique strength.

Loh emphasizes that “the only way to get other people to want to team up with you is for you to authentically and deeply be a person who is motivated by creating value in the other.”

Empathy and communication will set you apart in teamwork and leadership.

What to do:

• Practice active listening in conversations to understand others’ perspectives.
• Join group activities, like clubs or volunteer projects, to develop teamwork and leadership skills.
• Work on explaining complex ideas clearly, whether through writing, speaking, or teaching others.

These skills ensure you can build trust and create value, making you a desirable collaborator in any field.

3. Seek Diverse Perspectives

AI can present convincing narratives, but it often carries biases from its creators. Loh warns that losing the ability to think critically makes it “far easier to deceive people.” To stay grounded, you must question information and seek varied viewpoints: “I tune my social media so that my X is all tracking Republican right-leaning viewpoints and my Facebook is all tracking left-leaning viewpoints… My job as I simulate the world is to try to figure out where do you disagree?”

What to do:

• Follow news sources with different leanings to understand multiple sides of an issue.
• Engage in discussions with people who hold different opinions to challenge your assumptions.
• When using AI tools, cross-check their outputs with primary sources or your own reasoning.

This habit protects you from manipulation and helps you form well-rounded, independent judgments.

4. Embrace Creative Problem-Solving

AI can solve complex problems, like four out of six International Math Olympiad questions, which Loh notes is “more than I can do.” But humans can still excel by tackling challenges creatively. Loh tests this in interviews: “I ask them questions until it’s very clear… that they have never seen this question before… And then I want to see how you think.”

What to do:

• Challenge yourself with unfamiliar problems, like brain teasers or real-world scenarios, and brainstorm multiple solutions.
• Experiment with new approaches to everyday tasks, asking, “Is there another way to do this?”
• After generating ideas, critically evaluate them: “I want to destroy the new idea… Because 99% of the ideas that I generate that are new are fundamentally flawed. But 1% are good.”

This process hones your ability to innovate and adapt, keeping you competitive in an AI-driven world.

5. Build a Network of Kind, Clever People

Loh’s vision for the future hinges on community: “We also need to have a big network of kind people who are clever, who know each other, and who have trust so that if there are some civilization-threatening challenges that arise… maybe there will be some people who will stand up, work together, and do something about it.” Connecting with thoughtful peers prepares you to tackle big challenges collaboratively.

What to do:

• Join or create communities, like study groups or extracurricular programs, that value kindness and critical thinking.
• Mentor younger students or learn from peers to build mutually supportive relationships.
• Seek out role models, like teachers or professionals, who inspire you to create value for others.

These connections provide a support system and amplify your impact in solving real-world problems.

Why This Matters

Loh’s optimism fuels his mission: “I’m optimistic because I can see that thoughtful people stick together… There are so many kids who are not kids anymore who are growing up who are really clever but so kind and they also know each other.”

By focusing on these five actions—thinking independently, communicating with empathy, seeking diverse perspectives, solving problems creatively, and building a supportive network—you can carve out a meaningful role in the AI era. As Loh puts it, “It all starts from thoughtfulness.”

Takeaway: Don’t let AI do your thinking for you. Instead, use it as a tool to enhance your skills while cultivating the human qualities—thoughtfulness, empathy, and collaboration—that no machine can replicate. Start today by picking one action from this list and committing to it. Your future self, and the world, will thank you.

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