At an OpenAI Manhattan panel hosted by Casey Lewis, Gen Z panelists Sarah (20, NYU student), Eitan (24, chef/creator), and Zoe (27, ad executive) shared candid insights on AI use. Despite over half using generative AI weekly, negative sentiment is rising per a Gallup April poll. Privacy isn't a priority — they share workout routines, dating details, and friendship dilemmas with chatbots. "It already knows all these other things about me," Sarah said. AI offers a healthier alternative to doomscrolling; Eitan uses voice interaction with AirPods during walks to cut screen time. However, AI-generated ads and music feel inauthentic. "I don't know what an AI concert would look like," Zoe noted. Workplace entry is muddled: Zoe's AI-assisted pitch slides contained errors, yet her company pushed AI adoption. "You don't really know what is correct," she said.

Separately, Meta Platforms agreed to an $18 billion settlement with 48 state attorneys general, ending a federal trial over teen harm. Changes include two-hour daily limits, midnight-6 a.m. blocks, and "school mode" (8 a.m.-3 p.m.) for teen accounts on Facebook and Instagram. Meta will pay only 70% unless TikTok and YouTube adopt similar limits, and launched ads inviting rivals to join.