Folan: What Grandparents Know That AI Never Will

In an era increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence, columnist Folan makes a compelling case that the most important things in life are precisely what algorithms cannot replicate — character, integrity, curiosity, and empathy.

The rapid advancement of AI has sparked both wonder and anxiety, with systems capable of writing essays, generating images, and even holding conversations that mimic human interaction. But as AI permeates more aspects of daily life, a counter-movement is emerging that asks a fundamental question: what makes us uniquely human, and can we preserve it in a machine-driven world?

Folan argues that the wisdom passed down through generations — the kind of knowledge that grandparents share with grandchildren — represents something fundamentally different from data processing. It's the ability to read a room, to know when someone needs comfort rather than advice, to demonstrate moral courage when it's difficult. These aren't skills that can be coded into a language model.

The concern is particularly acute when it comes to raising children in an AI-saturated world. As screens increasingly mediate learning, socialization, and even emotional support, there's a risk that young people will grow up with less exposure to the kind of human-to-human mentoring that builds character and resilience.

The column doesn't dismiss AI's utility — it acknowledges the technology's remarkable capabilities. But it draws a clear line between what AI can do and what it means to be human, urging families and communities to consciously prioritize the interpersonal values that machines can never replace.

What This Means For You: As AI tools become more powerful and more embedded in daily life, the human skills that can't be automated — empathy, ethical reasoning, deep relationship-building — will become more valuable, not less. Investing time in real conversations, mentoring, and community isn't nostalgia; it's strategy for thriving in an AI world.