AI is friend-shaped: Guard rails for your brain (not the machine)

Date & time

  1. 20 February 2026 13:00 - 14:00

Location

  1. Virtual (Teams)

AI isn’t sentient – but it is designed to communicate like something you trust. And your brain responds accordingly.

This webinar explores the psychological patterns that make AI feel “friend-shaped,” why that matters in real work, and how people accidentally outsource judgment, flatten their voice, or lose their craft without realizing it.

Using real examples of common AI failure modes, we’ll look at when AI is genuinely helping you think, and when it’s just making you feel confident without being correct. You’ll learn to recognize four common AI archetypes, spot red flags that signal you’re drifting, and apply practical guard rails that keep you in control.

This isn’t about fear-mongering or avoiding AI. It’s about using powerful tools deliberately – without giving up your empathy, critical thinking, or expertise in the process.

Whether you’re already using AI every day or just starting out, you’ll leave with clear frameworks for working with AI without letting it do the thinking for you.

Who can join our events?

Our events are open to everyone and relevant to all levels of staff, from new joiners right through to senior executives. This creates a vibrant mix which promotes innovation, sharing of best practice and drives the modernisation of public services.

Attendance is included in our membership and partnership packages. A fee may apply for non-members. Please see individual event registration details for more information.

Contact us to discuss your options

Public sector – contact Poppy Brummell. Private sector – contact Aimie Francis.