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The Rise & Risk of AI Companions | Mandy McLean

Most people have an understanding of just how devastating social media and unrestrained access to technology have been to teens and young adults. What’s less understood is what the next threat is going to be to young people and their mental health. Evidence is mounting that it’s likely to be artificial intelligence and the very strange relationships people are starting to create with AI companions. 

People are using AI as their coaches, therapists, trusted friends, and even their romantic partners. According to Common Sense Media, more than half of American teens are using AI companions at least once a month. What’s forgotten is the deep, dark secrets being shared with AI companions are not protected or private. More concerning, many users lose touch with the fact that the AI companions are not real people. 

In this episode, Mandy McLean, CEO of ClassWaves, discusses what AI companions are, the risks they pose to users, why AI companions are appealing, and what parents and educators should be doing to avoid safety and manipulation risks AI companions introduce to students. Mandy says now is the perfect moment for AI companions to exponentially grow because of the loneliness epidemic, the amount of time people are spending using digital devices, and the quality of the AI companions in market.

Mandy also discusses what is likely happening to the brains of children who frequently use AI companions. She talks about what happens to people who lose an “AI spouse” when outdated technology is sunset. She closes out the interview by providing advice to parents and educators who want to help children avoid the dangerous use of AI companions and she shares what is filling her with a sense of optimism.

Mandy McLean is the co-founder and CEO of ClassWaves, an AI-powered platform that helps teachers transform learning by fostering learner agency and social capital through dialogue. A former high school teacher with a PhD in education and statistics, she has spent over a decade studying how people learn and later held leadership roles at Guild as Director of Research, Head of Applied Science, and Director of AI Transformation. At ClassWaves, Mandy is redefining the teacher’s role—not as a content deliverer, but as a guide for deeper conversation and connection. She also writes on Substack and speaks widely about education, adolescent development, and the social impact of technology. She lives in Colorado with her husband, two kids, and two cats, and she loves running, mountain adventures, and exploring big questions.

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Meet Your Host, Don MacPherson

Don MacPherson is the founder, CEO, and Host of 12 Geniuses

Don MacPherson is host of 12 Geniuses - a podcast for curious and voracious learners. A six-time entrepreneur, Don spent 25 years researching the employee and customer experiences, the attributes of great leadership, and how healthy organizational cultures are created and sustained. Now, Don interviews geniuses from around the world about the trends shaping the way we live and work. From AI to biotechnology, aging to addiction, cybersecurity to privacy, and climate change to space travel, Don uses these insights to help business leaders better understand what these trends are, how they are positioned to disrupt companies and industries, and how new value can be created for those willing to make the necessary changes.

An avid traveler and volunteer, Don has visited every corner of the world and been a Big Brother mentor for more than 20 years. He is the former executive director Think2Perform Research Institute where he helped to create the organization’s Future Leaders Academy. Don is a board member of Leadership Garden, an organization that helps young people develop the life skills needed to make a positive difference in their community. In October 2024, Don co-founded Home at Home - an organization that enables seniors to age gracefully, safely, and vibrantly in the comfort of their own homes.