GoodforMEdia at Tech-X 2026: A Mental Health + Technology Immersion Experience
June 15-26, 2026
GoodforMEdia (GFM) youth leaders were invited to lead workshops at Stanford’s Tech-X Program, a one-week summer program for high school students interested in mental health and technology innovation. Over two weeks, our leaders connected with two cohorts of participants through interactive workshops aimed at highlighting the emerging impacts of technology on young people and providing strategies for daily use.
The workshops included:
Our GFM conversation cards to start group discussions on artificial intelligence (AI) use
Proposed platform features that center youth wellbeing
Considered perspectives from youth, parents, and educators for balanced AI and tech engagement
For many participants, these workshops marked the first time they were asked for their input on how adults should respond to concerns on AI use. We learned about the many ways young people are using this new technology, like helping them digest complex educational topics. They also brainstormed opportunities to incorporate youth voices and experiences to the solution-drawing process. Tech-X participants raised important concerns about authenticity and also questioned who gets access to technologies and when. As adults grapple with the rapidly evolving AI landscape, young people are exploring the best ways to integrate and balance these platforms. Teens growing up in today’s tech world are teaching themselves how to use AI for academic and personal challenges, yet many are not invited into conversations that engage them without judgement.
This is why our work at GoodforMEdia is so pivotal. By asking and listening to young people’s experiences and ideas, we gain insights directly from those at the forefront of such an innovative moment and explore potential policy and education reforms that center learning, creativity, and wellbeing.
We encourage adults who work with young people to foster open, non–judgemental conversations about engaging with AI rooted in curiosity. Together, they can determine when it makes sense to use it, and when it may be time to take a step back.
Thank you to the Stanford Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing and the Stanford Mental Health Technology and Innovation Hub for creating space for these important conversations and making this event possible.
Additional Tools and Insights 📚
GoodforMEdia Guide for Teens: AI in the Digital World: This guide offers practical tips to help youth understand how AI works, recognize its limits, and use it in ways that support creativity, connection, and mental health.
GoodforMEdia’s Learning Hub: Check out stories, insights, and strategies from young people to empower healthy relationships with social media.
GoodforMEdia Guides and Tools: Explore additional resources created by youth to help their peers and adult allies navigate the positive and negative aspects of social media.