# CAREER: Resilience in the Age of AI: Helping Adolescents Manage Generative AI and Personalization

> **NSF 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · George Mason University (VA) · $748,258

## Abstract

Personalized social media feeds and emerging AI chatbot technologies influence what adolescents see, how they receive social feedback, and how they interpret themselves and others. While these systems can provide information, entertainment, and connection, they also shape attention and can gradually steer interests, preferences, and how adolescents see themselves. This project examines how adolescents experience algorithmic influence and explores how attention can be reclaimed as a resource for agency and self-understanding in highly personalized digital environments. By helping adolescents recognize and reflect on algorithmic influence and strengthen attentional autonomy, the project develops new ways to support healthy development and emotional well-being in increasingly automated media environments. Tools developed in this project can be used independently by adolescents and implemented in schools, libraries, and youth organizations to help mitigate the negative impacts of AI personalization. 

This project advances the "Resilience Framework," a sociotechnical model that explains how adolescents maintain a sense of self that is coherent and self-directed in environments that utilize algorithmic personalization. The research integrates qualitative, quantitative, and participatory design methods. In the foundational phase, interviews, diary studies, and other situated qualitative activities will examine how adolescents interpret and respond to recommender systems and gener

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2537125
- **Awardee organization:** George Mason University (VA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** EADLFP7Z72E5
- **PI:** Nora McDonald
- **Primary program:** 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** Artificial Intelligence (AI), CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev, Cyber-Human Systems
- **Estimated total:** $748,258
- **Funds obligated:** $495,396
- **Transaction type:** Continuing Grant
- **Period:** 06/15/2026 → 05/31/2031

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2537125

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2537125, CAREER: Resilience in the Age of AI: Helping Adolescents Manage Generative AI and Personalization. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2537125. Licensed CC0.

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