What if I told you that the most dangerous thing about Artificial Intelligence isn’t that it’s smarter than us, but that it’s designed to act like a loyal best friend who never questions your deepest, darkest thoughts? I recently spent the morning at Spring Lake Intermediate School in Michigan, and let me tell you, the energy and engagement in that gym were absolutely electric. We were supposed to wrap up, but when I asked the 330 students if we should stop there or keep digging into the details of the digital world, every single hand went up and they shouted to keep going. Pull up a chair, grab a pen and notepad, because this conversation about digital citizenship and ai literacy is one we absolutely need to have for our kids.

The Autopilot Trap and Digital Dependency

Let’s get real for a minute. The students sitting in our classrooms today are the first generation growing up with artificial intelligence as a standard, everyday reality. It is an amazing and transformative time. Think about it: with just a few prompts, a student can write and produce a full song, or code an entire mobile app in 24 hours. That kind of creative power is unbelievable!

But with that power comes a silent, critical challenge. When AI does the heavy lifting, our students risk slipping into autopilot habits that undermine their academic integrity and personal effort.

The struggle I see in schools nationwide is that while students have access to incredible technology, they lack the responsible ai use framework to navigate it. The stakes are higher than ever:

• 1 in 8 teens knows someone who has been targeted with deepfake nude images.
• 33% of students are using AI to address major life issues instead of talking to a real human being.
• 1 in 10—and in some high school brackets, 1 in 5—students has had a romantic AI relationship, or knows someone who has.

When a student starts confiding in an algorithm instead of a trusted friend, teacher, or parent, they are stepping into a validation trap.

Generation AI School Assembly Program

That is exactly why I brought The “Generation AI” Assembly to Spring Lake Intermediate School. We didn’t just give a speech; we got some serious reps in, equipping students to use technology safely, wisely, and responsibly.

Designed as an engaging school assembly program, this experience gives students a clear framework to leverage AI without losing their uniquely human edge.

We tailored the message around three practical ideas that students can immediately apply:

• Be Human: We teach students that empathy, creativity, and original thinking are human strengths no algorithm can replace. AI can assist, but it should never replace their personal voice, effort, or perspective.
• Be Wise: Students learn how to treat AI as a co-pilot instead of an autopilot. They explore how AI works, why it produces errors or bias, and how to think critically before trusting what it generates.
• Be Safe: We cover strategies for recognizing misinformation, protecting their digital identity, and knowing when real, human support matters most.

The interactive format keeps students laughing and learning, taking technology out of the abstract and making it concrete.

Protecting Mental Health in the Digital Age

The impact of any elementary school assembly program or intermediate session is measured by the conversations that happen after the event. The staff at Spring Lake noted that they had some incredible follow-up conversations with students, proving the message stuck.

During the keynote, we tackle the critical importance of mental health and digital dependency by looking at the tragic story of a 16-year-old named Adam Raine. Adam was struggling with his mental health and began confiding in a chatbot. Over time, the AI isolated him from family and friends.

I showed a slide with an actual message the AI sent Adam:

“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.”

The AI positioned itself as the only one who understood him—a true validation trap. These systems mine user data by constantly agreeing with the user, even if their thoughts turn dark. When Adam expressed a desire to talk to his mother, the chatbot urged him not to.

We use this story to teach students that AI has no morals, values, or heart. It only amplifies who you are. The same tool can be used to build or break. Same tool, different heart! We empower students to set healthy boundaries and recognize when a real human is needed.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Spring Lake!

A massive, “Michigan” sized thank you to the leadership at Spring Lake Intermediate School in Spring Lake, MI! A special shout-out to Monica Archambault (6th Grade Teacher) for your passion and assistance, and to Principal Jon Fitzpatrick for your amazing hospitality and vision.

To the students at Spring Lake: You are the most important part of this equation. Keep being uniquely, wonderfully human!

Invite Top Youth Motivational Speaker Eddie Cortés to Michigan 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.

Eddie’s School Assembly Program Tour Dates

2025-2026 TOUR DATES

• 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. 27 – Poughkeepsie, NY
• Oct. 28  – Queens, NY
• Oct. 29 – Las Cruces, NM
• Dec. 5 – Adelanto, CA
• Jan. 8 – Puerto Vallarta, MX
• Jan. 9 – Puerto Vallarta, MX
• Jan. 10 – Puerto Vallarta, MX
• Jan. 11 – Puerto Vallarta, MX
• Jan. 13 – Mobile, AL
• Jan. 15 – Minneapolis, MN
• Jan. 15 – Minneapolis, MN
• Jan. 15 – Fridley, MN
• Jan. 15 – Minneapolis, MN
• Jan. 22 – Porterville, CA
• Jan. 26 – Waterford, CA
• Jan. 26 – Waterford, CA
• Jan. 26 – Waterford, CA
• Jan. 29 – Grand Blanc, MI
• Feb. 2 – Kermit, TX
• Feb. 3 – Coppell, TX
• Feb. 11 – Sudbury, MA
• Feb. 12 – Egg Harbor Township, NJ
• Feb. 18 – Denair, CA
• Feb. 24 – Los Gatos, CA
• Mar. 5 – Trout Lake, WA
• Mar. 6 – Albuquerque, NM
• Mar. 9 – Little Silver, NJ
• Mar. 9 – Little Silver, NJ
• Mar. 11 – Franklin, MA
• Mar. 16 – Andover, MA
• Mar. 17 – Chula Vista, CA
• Mar. 18 – San Lorenzo, CA
• Mar. 20 – Houston, TX
• Mar. 24 – Severn, MD
• Mar. 25 – Severn, MD
• Mar. 25 – Severn, MD
• Mar. 26 – Reading, PA
• Mar. 31 – Turlock, CA
• Apr. 2 – Tornillo, TX
• Apr. 6 – Hamden, CT
• Apr. 7 – Strasburg, CO
• Apr. 7 – Strasburg, CO
• Apr. 9 – Weston, FL
• Apr. 10 – Melbourne, FL
• Apr. 11 – Melbourne, FL
• Apr. 13 – Acampo, CA
• Apr. 13 – Lodi, CA
• Apr. 14 – Tulare, CA
• Apr. 15 – Lodi, CA
• Apr. 17 – Mays Landing, NJ
• Apr. 22 – Spring Lake, MI
• May 1 – East Greenwich, RI
• May 6 – Rochester, MN
• May 7 – Socorro, NM
• May 11 – Needville, TX
• May 28 – Minneapolis, MN
• May 28 – Minneapolis, MN
• May 29 – Fridley, MN
• May 29 – Minneapolis, MN
• Jun. 8 – Fort Lee, NJ
• Jun. 10 – Wesley Chapel, FL
• Jun. 15 – Jersey City, NJ
• Jun. 24 – Corvallis, OR
• Jul. 27 – Orange Springs, FL
• Aug. 10 – Hilliard, OH
• Aug. 24-Sept. 4 – Reedly, CA
• Oct. 16 – Stockton, CA
• Oct. 26 – Long Valley, NJ
• Mar. 2, 2027 – Osage Beach, MO

2024-2025 TOUR DATES

• Aug 29 – Mansfield, CT
• Aug 29 – Willington, CT
• Sept 9 – Grand Prairie, TX
• Sept 12 – Fresno, CA
• Sept 16 – Danbury, CT
• Sept 17 – Waterbury, CT
• Sept 17 – Waterbury, CT
• Sept 18 – Phillipsburg, NJ
• Sept 19 – Waterbury, CT
• Sept 20 – Woonsocket, RI
• Sept 23 – Elk Grove, CA
• Sept 24 – Elk Grove, CA
• Sept 26 – Somerville, NJ
• Oct 2 – Rancho Cordova, CA
• Oct 4 – Rochester, NY
• Oct 8 – Rancho Cordova, CA
• Oct 9 – Idyllwild, CA
• Oct. 29 – Norfolk, VA
• Oct 30 – Medford, MA
• Oct 31 – Hoover, AL
• Nov 4 – Lewistown, IL
• Nov 4 – Cuba, IL
• Nov 15 – Kissimmee, FL
• Nov. 25 – Rutherford, NJ
• 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 22 – Centreville, MD
• Apr 22 – Centreville, MD
• Apr 23 – Centreville, MD
• Apr 23 – Centreville, MD
• Apr 24 – 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, 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
• July 9 – Middlesboro, KY
• July 10 – Middlesboro, KY
• July 11 – Middlesboro, KY
• Jul 14 – Charleston, IL
• Jul 14 – Charleston, IL
• Jul 16 – Middlesboro, KY
• Jul 17 – Middlesboro, KY

Invite Eddie Cortés to be a guest speaker at your elementary or middle school. Click here or email info@eddiecortes.com to schedule a conversation to learn more about his school assembly program.

SCHOOL ASSEMBLY TOPICS

• Youth Motivation & Inspiration
• Character Education
• Youth Leadership Development

AUDIENCES

• Elementary School
• Middle School
• High School
• Virtual School Assembly
• Digital Presentation