As AI systems become increasingly embedded in our daily lives, many people are beginning to turn to them not just for information, but for emotional support, personal reflection, and decision-making. What does it mean to rely on a machine for advice once reserved for friends, mentors, or therapists?

This interactive session explores the emerging role of AI in emotional regulation and personal guidance. Participants will be presented with a series of mock scenarios—moments of uncertainty, conflict, or introspection in relationships, career, etc.—and invited to engage with them in two ways: first through conversation with another participant, and then through interaction with an AI system.

By comparing these experiences, we’ll attempt to examine the differences in tone, depth, judgment, and trust between human and machine responses. Where does AI feel helpful? Where does it fall short? And how might these tools reshape the way we relate to ourselves and to one another?

The session will conclude with a group discussion reflecting on the implications of AI-mediated advice in a rapidly evolving social and technological landscape.

This event has been postponed to April 15th! We will update this page soon with the revised information.

Tusk & Quill is hosting an interview and workshop session with Peter Schmidt—co-founder and Program Director for the Strother School of Radical Attention in NYC.

The session includes a discussion with Peter on the school’s curriculum for reconnecting with attention and its broader push for “attention activism,” followed by Q&A and guided attention practices.

No charge for students; show your student ID at the venue and we’ll refund the full ticket cost.