The Cohort Chronicles: Behind Her Face, Her Future with Gabrielle Herrera

As an aunt and someone who has watched young people grow up fully immersed in digital culture,

I’ve seen firsthand how AI and online trends shape self-image, identity, and safety.

Ahead of this community conversation, I was asked to reflect on my experiences, concerns, and hopes for the young girls and boys in my life as they navigate this rapidly changing online world.

First Encounters with AI & Filters.

My first real experience with AI and synthetic media came through Snapchat filters when I was a teenager.

At first, they felt fun and harmless, little effects that could make you look cuter or sillier. But as filters became more advanced and spread to platforms like Instagram, I started to notice how they shaped beauty standards. Seeing flawless but unattainable images made me self-conscious about my own appearance.

It was my first glimpse into how synthetic media can blur the line between reality and idealized images, deeply affecting self-perception.

How AI Shows Up for Youth Today

I see AI and deepfake technologies showing up in youth culture, mostly through the risks they face online.

There are more headlines now about deepfakes being used in harmful ways, and even on platforms like TikTok, you’ll find warnings to parents about posting videos of their kids.

While most families share moments with good intentions, the reality is that content can be misused. It’s a reminder that AI isn’t just filters and trends; it also raises real concerns about safety and privacy for the next generation.

Conversations with the Next Generation

I think about my nieces and nephews, now in their late teens. Over the years, they’ve made questionable references to things they’ve seen online, sometimes even dropping inappropriate questions right at the dinner table.

Those moments always make me pause. I grew up during the digital boom, but their access to content is constant and far more advanced.

I’m glad they feel comfortable sharing with me, but it also makes me wonder just how much exposure young people really have and what that means for their development.

Why This Matters for Latina Youth

This conversation is especially important for Latina youth. Online spaces often amplify stereotypes, particularly through memes and humor that hypersexualize Latinas.

What seems like a harmless joke can create lasting harm, especially for young girls still shaping their sense of identity. They not only see these narratives online but also face the teasing, objectification, and pressures that spill over into daily life.

We have to recognize the ways digital culture impacts both how Latinas see themselves and how others see them.

As an aunt to three young girls, this issue is personal. I’ve already witnessed how online culture shapes their language, thoughts, and self-image. I don’t think most adults realize just how deeply these influences run for kids who are still figuring out who they are.

I hope people walk away from this event with a deeper understanding of how serious it is to protect the digital presence of the young people in their lives.

Posting online may feel harmless, but in today’s world of advanced AI and deepfakes, what we share can carry long-lasting consequences. I trust that this conversation will encourage families to be more mindful, whether by talking with kids about what they see online, setting boundaries for sharing, or simply staying aware of the risks.

Most importantly, I want people to feel empowered to create safer online spaces where kids can thrive without the weight of digital harm.

Last but not least, I look forward to hearing how we can move beyond awareness and into action. These challenges are too big for one person or organization to face alone. The most powerful outcome will be real calls to action, whether through education, advocacy, or partnership, that turn dialogue into collective change.

Join the Conversation

Join us as we explore these powerful questions together at our upcoming community conversation on AI, deepfakes, and the digital future of our youth.

Your voice belongs in this space.

📍 The DoSeum, San Antonio🗓️ Tuesday, September 23🔗 Click here to register

And don’t forget 🎟️ Purse with Purpose Drawing Tickets are now available!