In his enlightening TEDxYouth talk, “Embracing AI With Caution,” Gagan Sreekumar explores the dual nature of technology, particularly artificial intelligence. Drawing a metaphor from the periodic table, he compares silicon — the backbone of modern innovation — to lead, representing the potential perils of AI. The rapid rise of artificial intelligence can enhance our productivity, but it may also lead to a decline in essential cognitive skills, as illustrated by the diminishing ability to remember phone numbers or solve problems independently.
Sreekumar emphasizes the critical need to embrace AI as an assistant rather than a replacement for our own creativity and problem-solving abilities. He encourages viewers to engage their minds actively, using AI to critique their ideas rather than generate them entirely. This approach not only preserves our cognitive functions but also allows us to innovate and think critically. By fostering a balanced relationship with technology, we can transform the “lead” of dependency into the “gold” of enhanced human capability. Through cautious engagement with AI, Sreekumar advocates for a future where technology amplifies human potential rather than diminishes it.
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Author Video Description
In his talk, this young speaker emphasizes that AI should support us rather than lead us, and warns that overdependence on it can weaken our own mental sharpness. Gagan Sreekumar is a 10th grade student studying in Presidency School Bangalore South. He is an avid reader, and takes interest in MUN conferences, quizzes and sports like chess and basketball. He has taken part in the 14th biennial Lake Conference hosted by IISc, where he presented ways to reduce the carbon footprint of the school. As an aspiring author and tech enthusiast, he is concerned about the rising dependence of humans on AI, and proposes solutions to preserve and strengthen one’s critical and creative thinking abilities in the age of AI. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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TEDx is an international community that organizes TED-style events anywhere and everywhere — celebrating locally-driven ideas and elevating them to a global stage. TEDx events are produced independently of TED conferences, each event curates speakers on their own, but based on TED’s format and rules.
Video “Embracing AI With Caution | Gagan Sreekumar | TEDxYouth@PSBS” was uploaded on 12/03/2025 to Youtube Channel TEDx Talks