AI changes our world and young people need to have a say

Last updated on Wednesday, 04/10/2023

On 13 June 2023 in Strasbourg, the Members of the EU Parliament approved the AI Act, the world's first comprehensive AI law. This is a huge step that can shape our future. Since the future is at stake, young people should be well-informed and at the core of decision-making. For this reason, young people around Europe were asked about AI and its impact.

Artificial intelligence (AI) involves using computers to do things that traditionally require human intelligence. This technology processes large amounts of data in ways that humans cannot. Basically, the core goal of AI development is for computers to be able to recognise patterns, make decisions, and judge like humans. Although there is still a long way to go until the "Matrix-level" version of AI, currently in its early stages, the pace of development can be unpredictable. Nonetheless, it seems to be the perfect timing to establish an ethical foundation around this technology, which has a vast positive and negative potential for humans, depending on the choices they make.

The AI Act is part of the EU's digital strategy. But how will the AI Act protect citizens and maximize its own potential?? Basically, the AI Act will function on a risk-level basis. The concept is to apply AI to various applications, which will be analysed and classified based on the potential risks they pose to users. The degree of regulation will vary depending on the different levels of risk. In other words, the different risk levels will mean more or less regulation. “The European Parliament’s priority is to make sure that AI systems used in the EU are safe, transparent, traceable, non-discriminatory and environmentally friendly. AI systems should be overseen by people, rather than by automation, to prevent harmful outcomes.” (EU AI ACT). The final version of the law has not been finalised yet, and as technology continues to evolve, there will be further improvements in the future.

Why should you care?
 

© Pixabay, 2023

AI affects many parts of daily life and almost everyone has somehow used it without knowing it for years. Before OpenAI and ChatGPT made it to the front page of every small and big news outlet last April, AI was especially used by young people via Google Assistant and Camera, Snapchat and other popular applications. It was not until last April that the common realisation of how fast AI development accelerates and how much space it will take in people’s life hit the average user.

An “Interview” with ChatGPT and European Youth

Since the current AI “celebrity” is ChatGPT, it could not be neglected in this article. After a short “interview” with ChatGPT, asking it about young people in Europe, here you can see its answer to the question “What is your input about European Youth”?

“European youth possesses tremendous potential. The continent is home to a diverse and highly educated young population, which presents numerous opportunities for innovation, economic growth, and social progress. Some factors that contribute to the potential of European youth are Education, Multilingualism, Technological literacy, Cultural diversity, involvement in Entrepreneurship and innovation, Activism and civic engagement. However, it is important to note that the potential of European youth can only be fully realised if they have access to equal opportunities, including quality education, employment prospects, and a supportive environment. Additionally, addressing challenges such as youth unemployment and ensuring inclusive policies that foster diversity and social mobility are crucial for unlocking the full potential of European youth.”

Thanking ChatGPT for its kind words, although it has not experienced youth or inequality, in my opinion its input on European youth is generally true. May I add though, as a European young living person myself, that the dynamic skills and potential of European youth demand that youngsters across Europe need to be granted a wider involvement in the decision-making process that shapes their futures.

For this exact reason, following ChatGPT’s input, we proceeded by asking young people about their experiences and opinions regarding AI. The vast majority of the interviewees claimed that they have used AI-powered apps and tools, like ChatGPT and Grammarly for personal use, studies, work or even for their hobbies. In response to the next question we addressed them ‘does the rise of AI sound scary to you and why?’, the interviewees shared their concerns and fears on how AI will be used, particularly in terms of being weaponised for defence or military purposes. They also expressed concerns about the rapid pace of change in this field and the development of regulations.

Nevertheless, many of them seemed to admire the positive potential of AI technology and how helpful it can be. They agreed that there is a balance between the positive and negative aspects of this rise which ultimately depends on human decision-making - human choices are the ones to determine what will prevail.
 

© Tara Winstead, Pexels, 2023, edited in Canva : Ai  rise and questions that occur

The interview continued with more in-depth AI-related questions:

Do you believe the enhanced establishment of AI in different domains affects or will affect your professional choices and why?

“It opened the possibility for me to study a new field. It can revolutionise the way social sciences are seen regarding the number of tools available.” Marta Inácio, 22, Portugal

The general response to this question was that the impact of AI on professional choices will depend on the specific profession. The interviewees acknowledged that they have considered the potential impact of AI but haven't given it much thought due to the current limitations of the technology. However, regardless of their profession, the majority feel the need to enhance their digital skills to adapt to the rise of AI. They believe that professional choices in the future will be for sure influenced by this trend.

Do you think AI technology will "transform" the world as it has been mentioned lately? And do you believe this transformation will be positive? Why?

“Positive and negative - it depends, it's like the internet. My take on the overall picture is positive because of the simplification it provides for labour work in many businesses.  However, there will be some dangerous aspects with malicious users, but that's just how it goes." George Fragkiadakis, 23, Greece

The views on this question diverged. Easily, someone can observe that there is a lot of hope AI technology will be a positive transformation but also a fear that its many uses can get out of control and become a threat. Most young people who were questioned do not believe that AI will replace humans, at least for now. In any case, though, they feel that AI’s capabilities surpass human competition in certain domains and may lead to a significant amount of unemployment and unfair competition.

On the other hand, many answered that AI will be the chance for humanity to raise its productivity and focus on creating a better world without the need for hard labour. Nonetheless, concerns about the pace at which AI evolves, as well as its implications for privacy, security, defence, and military applications are high among young people. In any case, the bottom line is that the outcome depends solely on how humans choose to apply and regulate AI in the long run.

Can you mention two domains that you think AI technology is/will be the most valuable and why?

“Digitalisation, green transition. The former because it will make public services and other domains more easily accessible and less time-wasting while the latter because it is the greatest challenge of our time and for sure advanced AI can help tackle it”. Borcsa Hunor-Mihály, Romania

Interviewees provided a wide variety of answers to this question, typically related to their occupations. The answers covered a spectrum of domains that included engineering, data science, transportation, public services, presentations, mental health, challenges for people with disabilities and energy. However, common answers that were spotted among the participants, regardless of their occupation, were data and medicine, and how AI can really prove valuable to enforce research, better information and services in these domains.

Can you mention the pros and cons of AI technology that is used until now?

“Pro: Making information more accessible and simpler to access. Con: Academic integrity needs to be advised”. Jacqueline Casserly, Ireland

“Pro: educational purposes, like being able to check your answers with an AI tool, Cons:  Privacy concerns - logistical worries (how fast it is growing and the fact that we forget AI learns from us, hence why AI can be very biased and not always right)”. Daria, Netherlands

AI will gradually transform many domains, but what about now? Based on the already used AI tools, young people believe that AI accessibility and data availability, especially for educational and research purposes, are its strong points so far. But still and all, a general concern about this kind of technology and the privacy regulations around it remains.

The last part of the interview was about information, education and awareness regarding AI.
All young people have a basic understanding of how AI works and how to use AI-powered tools, while many of them are in the process of learning more about it. However, most of the interviewees were not aware of any AI initiatives in their country, the AI Strategy or the AI Act. For this reason, we immediately asked them:

Do you think it is important for young people to get more informed and educated on AI topics and regulations?

“Yes - maybe there could be some official account (organisation) in every country where information would be provided on these matters”. Dora, Hungary

In general, young people agree that AI basic information and awareness should start in schools, especially since AI is increasingly becoming a bigger part of our lifestyle. At a secondary level, governments should provide information and basic educational resources for the public on how to use AI and about regulations and protection around its use as well.

All in all, after analysing the answers to this survey, we can conclude that the rise of AI sounds scary. As a new “invention” of humankind, its use can be defined by the intentions of the user as any other new technology. For this reason, AI regulations are crucial. It is urgent for young people to be well informed on AI and be involved in the decision-making process. AI affects or will affect our choices and everyday life, so young people should be given a voice and a seat on the decision table to help shape the role that this already-accelerated domain will have in our future. 
 

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Meet the author

Maro Samara 

I am Maro from Greece. I am an incubating physicist and parallelly work in the digital education domain for vulnerable groups and migration. I gained journalistic experience from writing in online student newspapers and pop-culture magazines. I love channelling ideas in several ways and cooperating in multicultural environments to make a sustainable global impact. Reading, debating, arts, languages, volunteering, and sports are places I find comfort and growth at the same time.

This article reflects the views of the authors only. The European Commission cannot be held responsible for it.