We often hear that we are living through a new technological revolution. As Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes an increasingly integral part of our societies, it is fundamentally changing how we live, learn, and transition into adulthood. But while young people are the largest user group of the internet and AI applications, there is a striking silence where their voices should be: in the halls of AI governance.
The Illusion of the “Digital Native”
There is a persistent myth that because young people grew up with smartphones, they are “digital natives” who automatically understand how technology works. This is a dangerous oversimplification. Being able to use an app is not the same as understanding the algorithms behind it.
In reality, many young users remain unaware of how AI decision-making—often outsourced to profit-oriented companies—impacts their well-being and access to rights. Without a deep level of AI literacy, there is a risk of manipulation through the exploitation of vulnerabilities and the promotion of addictive behaviours.
AI as the “New Third Party”
In the past, the relationship between young people and educators was direct. Today, AI technologies have introduced a “third party” into this dynamic. These tools are not power-neutral; they are often operated by corporations with their own agendas that can interfere with youth empowerment.
When we let algorithms decide what information we see or how we are evaluated, we are handing over a piece of our autonomy. This is why understanding AI isn’t just a technical skill—it’s a prerequisite for modern citizenship.
Why Representation Matters
Right now, the rules for AI’s future are being written. However, the youth sector is largely missing from these high-level discussions between authorities and technology companies.
Governance should not be a top-down process in which decisions about young people are made without including them. To create a truly inclusive and diverse AI framework in Europe, we need:
- Critical AI Literacy: Moving beyond simple usage to understanding how algorithms are trained and how they make decisions.
- Active Participation: Ensuring young people and youth workers have a seat at the table in European regulatory discussions.
- Ethical Accountability: Demanding transparency regarding algorithmic bias, data privacy, and the societal impact of AI tools.
The digital world is our world. It’s time we moved from being just consumers of technology to being active participants in its governance.
