R U REAL: Navigating Emotional and Social Roles of AI in Education
This session shares findings from a study that uses a posthumanist lens to examine how TikTok users construct and share narratives about ChatGPT’s social roles. The research reveals ChatGPT is often cast as a friend or therapist, roles grounded in its perceived neutrality, constant availability, and non-reciprocal social engagement. These qualities can foster emotional reliance on AI, sometimes complicating or replacing human relationships. This dynamic carries important pedagogical implications, particularly for students’ information literacy and trust in AI.
Building on these insights, the session introduces the R U REAL framework: Reflexivity and Understanding in Relational Engagement for AI Literacy. This framework offers educators, researchers, and practitioners a tool to critically navigate the complex social and emotional dynamics surrounding AI use.
Participants will:
- Review key research findings on AI’s social roles and relational impact
- Explore the theoretical foundations and practical elements of the R U REAL framework
- Discuss implications for AI literacy, ethics, and information literacy in education
This session connects research with practice to equip participants with a deeper understanding and actionable strategies to thoughtfully engage with AI’s evolving social presence.
Facilitated By
Tess Bulter-Ulrich
Doctoral Student / Lab Manager, Ontario Tech University
Tess Butler-Ulrich is a doctoral researcher and sessional lecturer at Ontario Tech University, specializing in AI education, STEAM education, critical AI literacy, and postdigital theory. Her work explores how youth engage with emerging technologies through creative and ethically grounded approaches. As a research assistant and lab manager, she designs hands-on learning experiences and leads outreach programs that connect digital tools (such as robotics, coding, and maker technologies) with equity-driven education. Her current research is developing a framework for critical AI literacy that centres empowerment, ethical awareness, and learner efficacy in AI education.
