Young people will lead this research project, creating guidance and resources to contribute to the positive and constructive use of AI, particularly in relation to young people’s own context. AI is a major contributor to precarity in our society and the pace of change can lead to exclusion for groups such as young people. By using a youth-led research methodology this project seeks to put young people’s voices at the centre of an exploration of how AI can be used by and for them in an ethical, responsible and rights respecting way.
In the article, Studying how Precarity, Technology and AI Intersect, Kakalic and Hancock comment “We are witnessing new forms of precariousness and the intensification of existing concerns as our societies continue to rapidly deploy new data-driven technologies.” They mention young people as one of the groups that can be disproportionately impacted by the de-stabilising influence of rapid technological change. We know that both education and the workplace need to adapt in response to AI developments, increasing the need to hear directly from young people on this topic.
Big tech continues to drive change, often based on algorithms that are unsympathetic to the needs of young people and AI is exacerbating this trend. We believe that the INCLUDE+ Principles of meaningful digital inclusion, collective care, responsiveness, diversity, sustainability and a holistic approach sit naturally with the values and approaches of youth work. A youth work setting is therefore the ideal space in which to create a project which supports young people in a holistic and sustainable way to explore this topic and create outputs that will support other young people and influence positive change.
Team
Hilary Phillips – Digital Youth Work Lead, YouthLink Scotland
Craig Steele – Computer scientist and educator, Digital Skills Education
Calum McDonald – Engagement and Participation Manager, Scottish AI Alliance
Stuart Park – Senior Manager for Consulting Services, Sopra Steria
Kevin MacNish – Head of Ethics and Sustainability Consulting, Sopra Steria