Why should young people learn about AI?

In a world where technology is advancing faster than ever, there’s one trend that’s impossible to ignore: Artificial Intelligence (AI). You’ve probably heard the term tossed around, whether it’s in the news, on social media, or even in school. But are you truly aware of how it’s shaping the world, and why it is essential to learn how to use it? AI is not just for tech experts: it’s something that every young person can use creatively and practically, in ways that might surprise you!

Anyway, what is AI?

Before we dive in, let’s break it down. AI refers to the ability of machines to perform tasks that usually require human intelligence, such as recognising speech, making decisions or even creating music. It’s already part of your daily life, even if you don’t realise it! Every time you use voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant, or when your social media feed recommends videos or posts, AI is working behind the scenes. It’s a versatile tool for everyone, whether you’re a student, a creator, or launching a business. Once you dive in, you might be surprised by how easy and useful it really is.

AI in everyday life: it’s closer than you think

Imagine this: you’re working on a project and need to organize your thoughts quickly. You open an AI-powered tool that helps you brainstorm, analyse your ideas, and even suggest improvements based on your preferences. Whether it’s refining an article, planning a business pitch, or designing a new product, AI adapts to your needs, saving you time and sparking creativity. AI is about convenience, but also it’s a catalyst for innovation.

AI does more than handle tasks as it’s revolutionising the way industries operate. Take Spotify, for example. The music streaming platform uses AI to recommend songs and create personalized playlists based on your listening habits. Features like “Discover Weekly” and “Release Radar” analyze your preferences and introduce you to new music you might love. Every time you log in, the AI helps you discover something new, making your experience personalized and tailored just for you. It’s AI making your entertainment choices easier and more enjoyable. 

AI is also revolutionizing health and wellness. From fitness trackers that analyze sleep patterns to apps offering personalized workout routines, AI is changing the way we approach health. Apps like Calm and Headspace use AI to offer customized meditation and wellness plans, helping users manage stress and improve well-being. This makes it possible to create health solutions that are accessible and personalized for everyone, whether it’s tracking fitness progress, offering health advice, or designing tailored workouts. AI opens up a whole new world of possibilities!

Why should young people care about AI?

As you may have guessed, AI is a tool that fuels creativity and innovation. As a young person, learning about AI gives you an edge in understanding how the world works and how you can shape it. By embracing AI, you open doors to endless opportunities in fields like entrepreneurship, healthcare, entertainment, and more. AI isn’t just about keeping up with technology: it’s about leading the charge, solving real-world problems, and creating solutions that didn’t exist before.

What’s stopping you from getting started?

Learning AI might seem daunting, but in reality, it’s not as hard as it seems. With the right resources and guidance, anyone can learn to harness the power of AI to create, innovate, and start their own business. And if you’re wondering if AI is for you, just remember that creativity isn’t limited to the “techy” folks. It’s for everyone, including you! 

Start your journey with YAIE

Through the Youth AI Entrepreneurs (YAIE) project, we’re building something fresh; a space that empowers young minds like yours to explore, create, and innovate with AI.

YAIE is designed to make learning AI exciting and hands-on. With interactive courses, mentorship, and practical tools, this project gives you the power to shape your future and bring your ideas to life. Whether you’re passionate about content creation, dreaming of launching a startup, or eager to gain new skills, AI opens up endless possibilities to explore.

Bibliography

BusinessWire. (2024). Mental health company Headspace launches empathetic AI companion. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241010397470/en/Mental-Health-Company-Headspace-Launches-Empathetic-AI-Companion

Geopop. (2024). Cosa è l’intelligenza artificiale e come funziona: Applicazioni e possibilità. https://www.geopop.it/intelligenza-artificiale-cose-come-funziona-applicazioni

Marketing AI Institute. (2023). How Spotify uses artificial intelligence to power Discover Weekly. Marketing AI Institute. https://www.marketingaiinstitute.com/blog/spotify-artificial-intelligence

The Daily Star. (2024). Gen Z writing the next chapter in entrepreneurship with AI. https://www.thedailystar.net/opinion/views/news/gen-z-writing-the-next-chapter-entrepreneurship-ai-3868871