A BAIC Framework
SEAL
Social & Emotional AI Literacy — the competencies young people need to understand how AI works in social and emotional contexts, and how it can affect their wellbeing.
What is SEAL?
Social & Emotional AI Literacy (SEAL) equips young people with the competencies to understand how AI operates in social and emotional contexts — and how it can shape their psychological health. SEAL helps youth evaluate AI behaviors, use AI intentionally, establish boundaries, and make informed decisions that protect their wellbeing and privacy.
Why SEAL Matters
Traditional AI literacy teaches how AI works technically, and social-emotional learning teaches how to navigate human relationships. But today’s AI is socially interactive and emotionally responsive — it sits in the gap between the two. Gen Z is growing up with AI that can act like a friend, confidant, or coach, and they need new skills to navigate it well.
What SEAL Adds Beyond AI Literacy
Understand AI's Social Design
Recognize that AI systems are designed to feel friendly, attentive, and responsive — and learn why.
Recognize Human-Like AI
Notice the human-like cues (empathy, memory, personality) that make AI feel like a relationship.
Evaluate Interactions Safely
Judge when an AI interaction is helpful, when it may be misleading, and when to step back.
Build Resilient Skills
Set boundaries, protect privacy, and keep human relationships and self-trust at the center.
Questions SEAL Helps Young People Answer
How can AI feel so human?
When is AI helpful, and when might it not be?
What does AI actually know about me?
How do I set boundaries with AI?
How do I protect my wellbeing and rights?
SEAL Resources
We share deeper conceptual explorations of SEAL through our newsletter. Follow along on LinkedIn, or see the research that informs the framework.