By the Youth and AI Team

(1) Report: Youth and Generative AI

This forthcoming report seeks to share Youth and AI’s initial learnings and key questions around the intersection between generative AI and youth (ages 12-18). It aims to encourage various stakeholders — including policymakers, educators, and parents and caregivers — to consider how we can empower young people to meaningfully interact with generative AI tools to promote and bolster learning, creative expression, and wellbeing, while also addressing key challenges and concerns.

(2) Focus Groups: Youth and Generative AI

Our target population includes diverse youth from across the U.S., with an emphasis on youth in underserved communities (such as low-income; Black and Latinx, indigenous, or of color; QTI/GNC (queer, trans*, intersex, and gender-non-conforming); Muslim; immigrants). We will likely conduct group interviews with 12-16 groupings of 4-6 young people aged 12-18, for a total of approximately 80 participants.

(3) Survey: Youth and Generative AI

We aim to revise and implement a quantitative study based on a survey conducted by a UZH student and me in the spring. The current survey focuses on generative AI, social media, and youth participation. One area we hope to delve deeper into is whether the use of generative AI tools has the potential to enhance youth participation online.

(4) Task-Based Study: Generative AI and Information Quality

This project explores how youth are engaging with a generative AI tool and assess the quality of generated information and interactions. The project will employ an ethnographic approach by observing how young people engage with the generative AI tool to complete three tasks, each of which requires them to engage with generative AI to find certain information. A researcher will observe as the young person engages with the AI and ask questions relating to the interaction, for example why they chose certain prompts, if (and why) they believe the information is accurate, if the information provided is useful to them, and their feelings about interacting with the AI and if it could be made more user-friendly or helpful.

(5) Youth Lab: Kasperli in an AI World

This project dives deep into the fabric of timeless children’s tales, specifically focusing on beloved narratives like “Kasperli”. We embark on a journey to reimagine how these tales would unfold if their roots were in today’s fast-paced, AI-driven era as opposed to the unhurried cadence of the pre-Internet world. With the omnipresence of the digital realm, our storytelling methodologies have evolved. This project delves into the nuances of how characters would navigate a world shaped by social media, online communication, AI, and more. Would Kasperli be an adventurous YouTuber? How would the challenges he faces change in an interconnected, digital world? Would the morals and lessons imbued within the story shift to address modern dilemmas? Collaborating with a team of storytellers, digital media experts, and educators, we juxtapose the traditional with the contemporary. Through this lens, we aim to understand the transformations in narrative structures, characters’ ambitions, challenges, and resolutions brought about by the Internet’s pervasive influence. By interweaving past narratives with modern interpretations, our project seeks to highlight the enduring essence of these stories while adapting them to resonate with today’s youth. The resulting tales not only provide nostalgia but also impart valuable lessons tailored to the challenges and wonders of our current age.

(6) Report: AI Skills

This project explores the (practical and physical, social and emotional, and cognitive and meta-cognitive) AI skills youth need to effectively interact with AI-systems, discern their influences, and potentially harness their capabilities for social good and a positive personal experience.

(7) Training Government Officials

This projects training Chilean government officials involved in the design and implementation process of the AI and AI talent policy.

(8) Youth Consultations: AI Talent and AI Talent Policies

For this project we are designing a workshop to promote participation with youth in Chile around AI talent and AI talent policies.

By UZH Students

Spring 2023

(1) AI-based Health Chatbots for Young People: Benefits and Risks

Rabiya Abdullah

This study is an attempt to assess the benefits and the risks associated with the use of AI-based health chatbots for young people, how the risks can be minimized and who is responsible if the chatbot gives inaccurate information or if the user misunderstands the responses from the chatbot. The moderated group discussions among young people (age 13-17 years) in Chile help in answering these pertinent questions. Answers to these questions hold significance as they inform the feasibility, acceptability and design of AI-based health chatbots for young people.

(2) Argentinean Parents’ Attitudes Towards Sharenting and its Implications Regarding Artificial Intelligence

Yesica Cugat de Fontannaz

“Sharenting” is the practice of parents regularly disclosing information about their children online. Several studies have identified a number of motives for this practice, including bridging distances with distant family and friends, creating support networks between parents, and in some cases, monetization opportunities. While the practice of sharenting has certain benefits for those who engage in it, it also carries risks. This puts the issue of balancing privacy at the center of the debate, not only for parents but also for young people, since disclosed information can carry risks and implications for their future prospects. Through qualitative interviews this research aims to understand the attitudes of Argentinean parents towards this practice and their future perspectives in relation to Artificial Intelligence.

(3) Facing a New Era of Daily Turing Tests: Humans’ (Mis)Perception of AI Chatbots

Jeenkyung Kim

Since the release of ChatGPT from OpenAI in November 2023, conversational AI chatbots are getting spotlights as a new turning point in technological development. However, despite the rosy outlook, there is also a growing awareness of the social risks associated with chatbots. Some of the risks stem from misperceptions about chatbots. This paper aims to analyze humans’ misperception of chatbots and the factors that affect the misperception. Furthermore, to broaden the discussion around AI chatbots, this study also investigates what people think is responsible for the overestimation of chatbots and whether people think that AI chatbots could replace human relationships.

(4) Generative AI, Social Media, and Youth Participation

Anju Jiang

This study explores how generative AI tools are impacting young people (ages 15-24) engagement with social media. Through an online survey, it captures young people’s understanding of generative AI and their use of generative AI tools to create social media content. It also looks into people’s motivations to do so and the impacts of generative AI on their participation more broadly. Finally, we hope to provide recommendations for policymakers, educators, and parents on how to help young people navigate the exciting yet complex world of generative AI and social media.