Press August 12, 2025
The Social Institute on NBC News Now: Teens & A.I. Companions
Laura Tierney, Founder and CEO of The Social Institute, shared tips on how to help students navigate A.I. companions in smart, healthy ways. Watch now >>
Press August 8, 2025
Laura Tierney Provides Insight on A.I. Deepfakes to NEA
“One photo posted online is all that’s needed to create a deepfake,” Laura Tierney, founder and CEO of The Social Institute, advises as she discussed A.I. deepfakes with NEA. It’s more important than ever to empower students to navigate A.I. in high-character ways. Read more >>
Press August 8, 2025
Parents, Social Media Experts Weigh in on New Bill Restricting Phones in NC Classrooms
The Social Institute weighs in on new legislation that restricts phone use in North Carolina’s public schools and requires schools to teach social media literacy to students. That bill, HB 959, was passed last month and signed into law by Governor Josh Stein on July 1st. It takes effect at the beginning of 2026. Learn more >>
Press May 21, 2025
Harnessing A.I. in Education: Insights from Chelsea Lopez of The Social Institute
As A.I. continues to reshape education, The Social Institute’s Director of Educator Advancement, Chelsea Lopez, huddled up with Jeff Bradbury at the TeacherCast Educational Network to explore how A.I. Literacy is a key component of digital literacy in education and how schools can begin to integrate it to fuel student success. You can listen to the episode here!
Press May 7, 2025
What N.C. bill restricting teen social media use means: ‘A lot of questions’
Chelsea Lopez, Director of Educator Advancement at The Social Institute, recently joined ABC11 to share insights on what House Bill 301, a proposed law that would limit social media access for North Carolinians under 16, means for students, educators, and families. Read the full story here!