Artificial intelligence is no longer a glimpse of the future—it’s here, embedded in the daily lives of young people. From personalized learning apps to social media feeds and job application algorithms, AI is shaping how young Europeans live, learn, and connect. But are they ready to shape it in return?
Our new European whitepaper, developed as part of the YouthGovAI project, explores this vital question. It’s not just about understanding how AI works—it’s about building the knowledge, critical thinking, and democratic spaces young people need to take part in shaping AI’s role in society.
The paper reflects deep conversations with educators, youth workers, policymakers, and young people themselves. It outlines a core insight: AI literacy and youth participation are not optional extras—they’re essential building blocks of a fair, inclusive, and democratic digital Europe.
The whitepaper uncovers how AI is influencing everything from education and mental health to environmental debates and political participation. It also identifies gaps—like missing youth voices in governance discussions and the lack of accessible tools for AI education in non-formal settings.
But more than that, it highlights a growing urgency: If youth are not equipped and invited to engage with AI, the future of digital democracy risks being shaped without them.
The document is a call to action for educators, civil society, and policymakers—to create space, resources, and strategies that make AI a topic young people can understand, question, and help shape. Curious to explore more?
The full whitepaper can be downloaded here.
