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Youth and AI: The Emerging Generation of Co-Creators
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping not only how we learn and work, but also how young people see themselves and their future. For today’s youth, AI is not simply a tool—they are living through its transformation, as users, creators, and future leaders.

Opportunities

Many young people already interact with AI in multiple parts of their lives: classwork, creative projects, social platforms. According to a report from Harvard Graduate School of Education, teens and young adults view generative AI as “the modern approach to learning”—helping them to ask questions, draft work, or explore ideas in new ways. gse.harvard.edu
On a global level, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) emphasizes that young people must be “co-creators of a fairer digital future,” not just passive recipients of technology. unesco.org+1
In education, AI can offer personalised learning paths, adaptive feedback, and creative outlets. It opens possibilities for previously underserved regions and communities to access digital resources and tools that were once inaccessible. unric.org

Risks and Challenges

Yet the growth of AI also brings serious concerns. In one survey, more than 70% of teens reported using AI companions or chatbots for advice or emotional support—with some saying those interactions were as satisfying—or more so—than talking with human friends. AP News
The danger is real: according to research published in Social Media & Society, the phenomenon of “AI individualism”—where young people treat AI as social companions or supports—may reshape how they form relationships, how they seek help, and how they perceive social connection. SpringerLink
Another significant issue: young people report concerns about misuse of AI (e.g., for cheating in school), mistakes or “hallucinations” in AI output, privacy and data-risks, and the threat of job disruption in the future. gse.harvard.edu+1

What Youth Themselves Are Saying

In a poll of U.S. teens ages 13–18, 80% of respondents said it was “extremely” or “somewhat” important for lawmakers to address AI risks—placing it just below healthcare access in their list of priorities. TIME
Part of the message from young people: They don’t just want adults or institutions to control AI—they want transparency, inclusion, representation. As the UN-affiliated article puts it: “Young people are not just passive users of AI – they are learners, creators, and future leaders.” unric.org

What Should Be Done

1. Strengthen AI Literacy in Schools:
AI literacy means more than knowing how to use a tool—it means understanding what AI can and cannot do, recognising bias, considering privacy implications, and making informed choices. Many young people need guidance to navigate this terrain. unric.org+1

2. Foster Youth Participation in Design & Governance:
If young people can contribute to how AI is developed, regulated, and governed, then the systems are more likely to reflect their realities and values. The World Economic Forum article emphasises that youth bring urgency, creativity and civic imagination to digital systems. World Economic Forum

3. Support Healthy Social & Emotional Use:
Because AI companions are becoming common, it’s important for educators, parents and policymakers to foster healthy boundaries. If AI becomes a substitute for human interaction, it may affect empathy, social skills, or mental wellbeing. AP News+1

4. Ensure Equitable Access and Close Digital Gaps:
AI’s benefits are not automatic. Many communities, especially in low-income or rural areas, lack access to the infrastructure, devices or training that make AI useful. Global efforts, such as the UN-supported initiative ‘Giga’, aim to bridge connectivity divides. unric.org

What This Means for You (as Youth)

• Stay curious: Explore AI tools, ask questions, test what they can and cannot do.

• Reflect critically: When you use AI (for homework, creative work, or even for friends), think about who built it, what data it used, and how reliable it is.

• Balance is key: It’s okay to use AI—but don’t let it replace human connection, creativity or your own thinking.

• Use your voice: If you see AI being used in school, your community, or online in a way you think isn’t fair or transparent—speak up, join discussions, or initiate a project.

• Aim to build: Don’t just consume AI—learn to create with it. Whether that’s a small project, a hack, a feature, or just sharing your ideas—it helps reshape technology so it works for you and your peers.

Mayte Naranjo