AI technology usage and literacy among young people

Recent discussions highlight the complexities and risks associated with young people using generative AI chatbots for advice, particularly regarding sensitive topics like sex, relationships, and identity. While these large language models offer convenience and immediate access, research indicates they can be inaccurate, often making up information or providing sycophantic responses that tell users what they want to hear rather than what they need to hear.

Complementing this, research into Social Explainable AI (Social XAI) and Critical Computational Literacy (CCL) emphasizes the need for young people to understand and question AI systems. Experts suggest that AI-generated explanations are not neutral; they are shaped by their creators and serve specific purposes. Developing the ability to critically evaluate how these systems function and whose interests their explanations serve is becoming increasingly vital as AI becomes integrated into daily life.