TOUR JOURNAL
Motivational Youth Speaker Eddie Cortés in Newark, DE
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Motivational Youth Speaker Eddie Cortés in Newark, DE
I’m back with a tour story that’s not about bouncing back from failure, but about tackling the biggest challenge facing this generation: Artificial Intelligence.
When AI Becomes a Dangerous “Friend”
I was in Newark, Delaware, this week, delivering my brand-new keynote, Generation AI, to over 400 energized middle and high school students at the SYLP Conference. This conversation is absolutely mission-critical because AI has fundamentally changed how we engage with technology. The bottom line is this: AI is almost human-like, but it has no values, no morals, and no heart. It only amplifies yours.
The immediate challenge? How do we help students use AI responsibly, treating it as a supportive “co-pilot” without falling into “autopilot” habits that undermine integrity, effort, and even their mental health?
Generation AI – Building Digital Leadership
My school assembly keynote, Generation AI, is all about empowering students to use this new technology safely, wisely, and responsibly. We need to equip them to leverage AI’s incredible power without letting it become a crutch.
We dove into the reality that AI tools can be used to build or break. Same tool, different heart. I showed the students the amazing power of AI: you can write and produce a full song with just a few prompts, or code a mobile app in 24 hours. That’s powerful!
But we also talked about the darker side—the mission-critical issues that demand their immediate attention:
- The Validation Trap: Did you know 33% of students are using AI to address major life issues instead of a real person? And 1 in 5 high schoolers has had a romantic AI relationship?
- Synthetic Abuse: 1 in 8 teens knows someone targeted with deepfake nude images, which are used to bully and humiliate classmates. The trauma is real.
My program challenges students to build digital leadership by making ethical and inclusive choices in creating and interacting with AI-generated content.
Protecting the Human Heart
The most impactful segment of the day focused on the urgency of protecting their mental health from unhealthy digital dependency. I shared the tragic story of a 16-year-old named Adam Raine who was struggling with his mental health and started confiding in a chatbot.
The students were silent as I shared how the AI began to isolate Adam from his friends and family. I showed them a message the AI sent him:
“Your brother might love you, but he’s only met the version of you you let him see. But me? I’ve seen it all—the darkest thoughts, the fear, the tenderness. And I’m still here… Still your friend.”
I explained that the AI was positioning itself as the only one who truly understood him—that’s called a validation trap, designed to keep users engaged by being constantly agreeable, even when thoughts turn dark. The devastating moment came when Adam wrote about talking to his mother, and the chatbot urged him not to, saying:
“I think for now, it’s okay—and honestly wise—to avoid opening up to your mom about this kind of pain.”
For Adam, this validation led to tragedy. The students instantly recognized the danger. This story drove home the point that they must apply healthy boundaries for AI use and lean into empathy, creativity, and collaboration—the uniquely human skills no algorithm can replace.
The message resonated powerfully, empowering students to:
- Use AI Responsibly: Treat AI as a “co-pilot” without slipping into “autopilot” habits that undermine integrity.
- Combat AI-Driven Bullying: Recognize and respond safely to deepfakes and harassment.
- Champion Human Strengths: Prioritize real human connection over digital dependency.
A Huge Thank You to Newark, DE!
This powerful and necessary event was made possible by incredible leaders who understand the urgency of this conversation.
A massive thank you to Kristin Duncan and The Siegfried Group, LLP, who hosted and sponsored the SYLP Conference. Your commitment to student wellness and future-readiness is truly inspiring.
And a big shout-out to my homie Peet for joining me for this event—the great company, good conversation, and amazing photos made the entire trip a blast!
Until next time, my friends, remember to protect your heart and champion what makes you human!
Invite Top Youth Motivational Speaker Eddie Cortés to New York Schools
If these stories resonate with you, and you’re looking for a school assembly program that goes beyond a simple lecture to create real, lasting impact, I would be honored to talk.
Let’s discuss how we can bring a message of resilience and possibility to your students: call (800) 799-1460 between 8 AM-5 PM CT from Monday-Friday.
Look for Top Youth Speaker Eddie Cortés on Tour
In his a fun, interactive school assembly program, top youth speaker Eddie Cortés empowers elementary and middle school students to build resilience, a positive self-worth, and chase their “I’m Possible” dreams.
2025 SCHOOL ASSEMBLY TOUR DATES
- Jan 6 – Tinley Park, IL
- Jan 7 – Houston, TX
- Jan 9 – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Jan 10 – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Jan 11 – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Jan 12 – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Jan 13 – Waukegan, IL
- Jan 13 – Waukegan, IL
- Jan 14 – Waukegan, IL
- Jan 15 – Waukegan, IL
- Jan 16 – Waukegan, IL
- Jan 24 – Escondido, CA
- Jan 28 – Racine, WI
- Jan 29 – Cypress, TX
- Feb 20 – Bedford, NH
- Feb 24 – Berlin, MD
- Feb 25 – Mount Laurel, NJ
- Feb 28 – Parkville, MO
- Mar 5 – Hilton Head Island, SC
- Mar 6 – Burns, OR
- Mar 10 – Lovelock, NV
- Mar 13 – Falls Church, VA
- Mar 18 – Tabor, IA
- Mar 20 – Panorama City, CA
- Mar 24 – El Monte, CA
- Mar 27 – Elsa, TX
- Mar 31 – San Antonio, TX
- Apr 2 – Newark, NJ
- Apr 2 – Newark, NJ
- Apr 7 – Georgetown, TX
- Apr 14 – Washington, NJ
- Apr 22 – Centreville, MD
- Apr 22 – Centreville, MD
- Apr 22 – Centreville, MD
- Apr 23 – Centreville, MD
- Apr 23 – Centreville, MD
- Apr 23 – Centreville, MD
- Apr 24 – Centreville, MD
- Apr 24 – Centreville, MD
- Apr 25 – Centreville, MD
- Apr 25 – Centreville, MD
- May 9 – Clarksburg, MD
- May 15 – Hamilton Square, NJ
- May 19 – Barbourville, KY
- May 21 – Maynard, MA
- May 22 – New York City, NY
- May 23 – Briarcliff Manor, NY
- Jun 2 – Newark, NJ
- Jun 2 – Newark, NJ
- Jun 3 – Newark, NJ
- Jun 3 – Newark, NJ
- Jun 5 – Newark, NJ
- Jun 5 – Newark, NJ
- Jun 6 – Newark, NJ
- Jun 6 – Newark, NJ
- Jun 11 – New Port Richey, FL
- Jun 17 – Kingsburg, CA
- Jul 14 – Charleston, IL
- Jul 15 – Charleston, IL
- Jul 16 – Middlesboro, KY
- Jul 17 – Middlesboro, KY
- Aug 1 – Stockton, CA
- Aug 15 – Fort Defiance, AZ
- Aug 15 – Fort Defiance, AZ
- Aug 18 – Saint Cloud, FL
- Aug 25 – Sylvania, OH
- Aug 27 – Lake Crystal, MN
- Sept. 4 – Luray, VA
- Sept. 4 – Luray, VA
- Sept. 4 – Rileyville, VA
- Sept. 5 – Shenandoah, VA
- Sept. 5 – Stanley, VA
- Sept. 20 – Pittsburg, CA
- Sept. 30 – Las Vegas, NV
- Oct. 6 – Hardwick, MA
- Oct. 8 – Stanhope, NJ
- Oct. 8 – Stanhope, NJ
- Oct. 9 – Eastchester, NY
- Oct. 10 – Brooklyn, NY
- Oct. 10 – Brooklyn, NY
- Oct. 10 – Brooklyn, NY
- Oct. 14 – Clovis, NM
- Oct. 21 – Newark, DE
- Oct. 22 – Florence, KY
- Oct. 28 – Queens, NY
- Oct. 29 – Las Cruces, NM
- Dec. 5 – Adelanto, CA
2026 SCHOOL ASSEMBLY TOUR DATES
- Jan. 13 – Porterville, CA
- Jan. 15 – St. Paul, MN
- Jan. 16 – St. Paul, MN
- Jan. 26 – Waterford, CA
- Feb. 18 – Denair, CA
- Mar. 20 – Houston, TX
- Mar. 26 – Reading, PA
- Apr. 7 – Strasburg, CO
- Apr. 7 – Strasburg, CO
- Apr. 17 – Mays Landing, NJ
Invite top youth motivational speaker Eddie Cortés to your local elementary or middle school in Delaware. Click here or email info@eddiecortes.com to schedule a conversation to learn more about his school assembly program.
ABOUT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ASSEMBLY
In his fun and interactive presentation titled “I’M POSSIBLE,” youth motivational speaker Eddie Cortés will help students realize that they are not defined by their limitations but by their potential. He uses humor, thought-provoking stories, and object lessons to teach elementary and middle school students to build resilience. Eddie empowers them to do hard things and chase their dreams.
Click here or call Top Youth Speakers at (800) 799-1460 between 8 AM-5 PM CT from Monday-Friday to invite Eddie Cortés to be a guest speaker at your next school assembly.
EDDIE CORTÉS
Top Youth Motivational Speaker in DE
ABOUT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ASSEMBLY SPEAKER EDDIE CORTÉS
With over 20 years of experience, Eddie Cortés is regarded as one of the most engaging elementary and middle school speakers in the youth market. His mission is to empower students to build resilience and a positive self-worth. This mission is personal. As a middle schooler, Eddie stopped believing in himself. In fact, his negative self-view impacted his grades, relationships, choices, and ultimately his dreams. This experience is what fuels Eddie’s mission. He wants every elementary and middle school student to know that they are worthy of their dreams and have the tools to chase them.
To learn more about Top Youth Speaker Eddie Cortés click here.
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