Why do we graduate students who can run a mile, graph a linear equation, or identify muscle groups—yet leave school without knowing how to budget, file taxes, or avoid crippling debt?In this eye-opening TEDx talk, Ed Banks takes on a systemic issue hiding in plain sight: the absence of mandatory financial literacy education in most school curricula across the United States and beyond. He challenges educators, policymakers, parents, and students alike to think again about what it truly means to prepare young people for life.Edward Banks begins by spotlighting the imbalance in what is traditionally deemed "essential education." While most school systems require courses in physical education, driver’s education, and health/sex education, there is rarely the same urgency placed on financial education. This omission, Ed argues, is not just an oversight—it’s a long-standing failure with profound consequences.With rising student debt, a lack of savings, and poor credit scores becoming the norm for young adults, Ed presents a compelling case for why financial literacy is not a luxury—it's a necessity. He shares alarming statistics, real-life stories, and systemic patterns that expose just how unequipped many students are to handle real-world financial decisions. From understanding interest rates and credit cards, to learning how to save, invest, and file taxes—these are life skills that most students graduate without ever learning.But Ed doesn't stop at diagnosing the problem. He also brings a solution.In the second half of his talk, he introduces G.I.S.T. —his nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the financial knowledge gap. G.I.S.T. provides access to practical, actionable information and workshops focused on personal finance, especially for underserved communities. Through relatable instruction and hands-on support, G.I.S.T. equips people of all ages with the tools they need to build a financially stable future.Ed's ultimate message is a powerful call to action: that every school system should mandate personal finance as a core component of education, on equal footing with math, science, and language. He calls on students to demand it, parents to advocate for it, and educators to implement it.Because financial literacy is more than a subject—it’s a foundation for freedom, empowerment, and long-term well-being.Aligned with the TEDx theme “Think Again,” this talk urges viewers to reconsider what our schools value, and what our young people actually need to thrive in an increasingly complex world. In this TEDx, Ed Banks questions why today's educational framework rarely require courses in financial literacy. Many states require courses like: physical education, health/sex education, and driver's education, while financial education is conspicuously absent. This absence has dire consequences. In the end he talks about about G.I.S.T. his nonprofit organization, which aims to fill this knowledge gap by providing basic info and practical strategies to assist those in need. He ultimately gives a call to action, which is that every school system should mandate courses in personal finance as a compulsory part of its curriculum. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Social media is no longer just an online pastime—it is a powerful force that shapes how we connect, communicate, and consume the world around us. From discovering global communities to sharing our voices and learning new ideas, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Snapchat have become deeply woven into the fabric of everyday life. But while social media offers unprecedented access and opportunity, it also brings with it hidden consequences that can quietly undermine our mental health, self-worth, and productivity.In this insightful TEDx talk, Prerna Basu challenges viewers to think again about their daily relationship with social media. This isn’t about deleting apps or demonizing technology—but about taking a step back to examine the true cost of constant connectivity. The talk highlights how the endless scroll, fear of missing out, algorithmic manipulation, and comparison culture can all take a serious toll on emotional wellbeing and effective time management—especially for young people.But this conversation is not just about what's wrong. It’s about reclaiming control.Prerna Basu also explores the positive power of social media: how it can be used as a tool for personal growth, education, creative expression, and social empowerment when approached with intention and boundaries. Whether it's building healthy digital habits, curating more uplifting content, or simply taking meaningful breaks, this talk is filled with practical strategies to help audiences transform how they engage online.By shifting our mindset and rethinking our usage, we can go from being passive consumers of content to active creators of purpose.Aligned with the TEDx theme “Think Again,” this talk is an invitation to pause, reflect, and reimagine our digital lives—not by rejecting social media, but by choosing to use it wisely and meaningfully. Social media is an essential part of everyone's lives. It's a platform to connect, discover communities, and share information. There is no denying that social media has greatly impacted everyone’s lives. However, its effect on mental health and time management is often underestimated. Thus, we must ‘think again’ about the role social media plays in our daily lives, and instead focus on how to employ social media in a way that positively contributes. This talk will explore both the negative and positive effects of social media and how to transform the way that we engage with social media so we can foster personal growth and empowerment. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Artificial Intelligence often sparks fear, awe, and debate—frequently portrayed as an unstoppable force leading to either salvation or destruction. But what if the real power lies not in AI itself, but in how we choose to use it?In this insightful TEDx talk, Mihika Khan challenges the deterministic narratives surrounding AI, offering a fresh perspective: AI is not destiny—it’s a tool, much like an architect’s scalpel. Its outcomes depend entirely on the intentions and decisions of its users. It can either craft breathtaking innovation or cause deep harm—and the choice is ours.This talk explores: why AI is neither inherently good nor evil, the spectrum of possibilities AI presents for society, the ethical responsibilities of developers, policymakers, and everyday users, how thoughtful collaboration between humans and machines can address global challenges, the urgent need to "think again" about our assumptions and take an active role in shaping AI’s future.Aligned with the TEDx theme "Think Again," Mihika Khan's talk is a compelling invitation to reframe our relationship with artificial intelligence—not as victims of a technological wave, but as proactive architects of the world we want to live in. People often hear apocalyptic narratives about AI, painting it as an unstoppable force. But AI is not a pre-ordained destiny. It's more like a powerful tool, like an architect's scalpel. This tool can be used to create breathtaking masterpieces or inflict devastating wounds. The outcome entirely depends on us – the sculptors of our future. AI itself is neither inherently good nor evil; it's a spectrum of possibilities, showing both promise and peril. The crucial question is not whether AI will change the world, but how we choose to wield it. Can we harness its power responsibly, fostering a future where humans and AI collaborate to solve the world's greatest challenges? The time to think again, re-evaluate our assumptions and chart a course for a beneficial future with AI, is now. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

What does it truly mean to be "green" in the 21st century? In this powerful TEDx talk, Masrur Mehadi invites viewers to think again about sustainability, development, and the role of youth in shaping a cleaner, more equitable future for Bangladesh and beyond.Growing up in a family deeply involved in the energy sector, and having witnessed the impact of a 110-megawatt solar power plant in Khulna, Masrur Mehadi's journey into energy and infrastructure was both personal and purposeful. This talk explores how renewable energy—especially solar—can be a transformational force in a country still reliant on fossil fuels.At the heart of this vision is Empower Solar, an initiative designed to: raise awareness about solar energy and its long-term potential, educate underprivileged children about sustainability, clean energy, and environmental responsibility, highlight the economic and community-level impact of renewable energy investments, encourage a national and global audience to "think again" about how we power our lives and shape our economies.This talk aligns perfectly with the TEDx theme "Think Again," urging individuals to question the status quo, challenge outdated systems, and embrace innovative, sustainable solutions for a brighter future. Masrur's interests have always been drawn towards industry and infrastructure, particularly energy, and its impact on Bangladesh. In the 21st century, sustainability and being "green" are common words, but what do they truly mean? His perspective on this was formed by witnessing my family’s 110-megawatt solar power plant in Khulna, Bangladesh. This sparked his passion and ignited a desire to explore and start his own green project called Empower Solar. The goal of the Empower Solar initiative was to raise awareness about solar energy, particularly in a country like Bangladesh, which is heavily reliant on fossil fuels. Solar and renewable energy are still relatively new concepts here, and they encourage people to "think again" about the future of energy. Empower Solar focuses on conducting workshops for underprivileged children, educating them about sustainability while also emphasizing the significant economic impact that renewable energy can have on communities and countries. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

How many of you consider yourselves to be good debaters? Maybe you’ve out-argued your friends, convinced your parents to let you buy that iPhone, or scored top marks on that group presentation in class. Feeling confident in our abilities is something we’ve all experienced—but what if that confidence isn’t always backed by actual skill? What if it’s a trap?In this insightful and thought-provoking TEDx talk, Sayumi Ruvanya Attanayake invites the audience to confront a powerful psychological truth: we're not always as good as we think we are. Drawing on the cognitive psychology concepts of the Illusion of Control and the Dunning-Kruger Effect, the talk explores how and why we often overestimate our competence in areas where we might actually lack experience, training, or true understanding.With a warm and relatable tone, Sayumi Ruvanya Attanayake engages the audience by breaking down these biases into everyday examples—like school debates, negotiating with parents, or even making decisions in leadership roles. These moments seem simple on the surface, but they reveal a deeper problem: the gap between our perceived and actual competence. And that gap has real-world consequences, from poor decision-making and overconfidence in leadership to resistance toward feedback and growth.This talk also dives into how social media culture, grade inflation, and the constant pressure to “be exceptional” contribute to these distorted self-perceptions—especially for young people. We live in a world where being confident often gets mistaken for being right, and where humility is undervalued. But that needs to change.The talk ultimately delivers a compelling message: confidence isn’t the enemy, but unchecked confidence without reflection can be. Instead of blindly trusting our instincts or overvaluing our abilities, Ruvanya calls on viewers to "think again"—to embrace curiosity, seek feedback, and welcome the discomfort of not always being the best. Because that’s where true growth begins.By understanding the science behind how we perceive ourselves, and how these perceptions can mislead us, this TEDx talk offers a transformative lens through which we can better navigate school, relationships, leadership, and life. It’s not just about debating—it’s about learning to evaluate our own competence honestly and making space for continuous improvement.So, are you really as good as you think? Or is it time to think again?Watch this talk if you’re interested in: cognitive psychology and self-awareness, the science behind confidence and competence, how to grow as a student, leader, or individual, understanding the impact of overconfidence and unconscious bias, the path toward humility, reflection, and growth.This TEDx talk is a must-watch for students, educators, leaders, and anyone ready to challenge their assumptions and level up their self-awareness. How many of you consider yourselves to be good debaters? It could be when debating with your friends, convincing your parents to get you something, and so on. You can raise your hands. Now, think again. Keep your hands up if you think you are better than average at debating. You surely must have convinced your parents to get you that iPhone if you into high honor roll, yeah? This is what Ruvanya Attanayake will talk about, the illusion of control, and the Dunning-Kruger effect. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Saadhvi talks about her personal experience of suffering from Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, a medical condition and how resilience, determination, family and camaraderie from friends helped her overcome the challenges and problems associated with the condition. She also mentions in her talk a few famous personalities of the world who were also paragons of resilience. It is a powerful and compelling TEDx talk from a teenager that inspires everyone. Saadhvi is passionate about creative and intellectual pursuits, excelling in math, problem-solving, and writing. She enjoys baking, drawing, reading, and painting as outlets for her imagination. A confident public speaker and quick learner, she embraces challenges but finds socialising with new people difficult. Despite this, she strives to grow and step out of her comfort zone. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx