In an era where the digital world is increasingly integral to everyday life, digital literacy has become a life skill, essential for education, employment, and full participation in society. As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes economies and labour markets, young people find themselves at the forefront of both the opportunities and the challenges presented by this rapidly evolving technology.
Adolescent perspectives on AI
In 2020, UNICEF asked 245 adolescents in five countries about their views on AI. Many said that decision-making about AI felt adult-centric, and that they learned about AI at home and among peers, rather than in school. Among the risks identified by adolescents were rising unemployment and increased inequality, driven by concerns that AI might benefit those already in positions of power. At the same time, they acknowledged that AI has the potential to streamline routine tasks and save time.
In 2022, the United Nations Office of Information and Communication Technology (OICT) conducted a study with 254 young people from 36 countries to capture their opinions on the future of AI. The report found that:
– 93.2% had a favourable view of AI and robots.
– 68% said they trust AI.
– 80% interacted with AI multiple times a day.
– 76.3% believed AI’s risks were serious, but controllable.
– 75% cited unemployment, and 74.3% cited military use of AI, as top concerns.
– 93% expressed interest in discussing AI use and regulation, and 86% wanted to collaborate with AI in the future.
Both studies underlined that collaboration with young people is essential, as they will likely live in a world where AI is widely used. They deserve a say in what this future will look like.
Youth and digital skills
Young people are the most active internet users. According to Eurostat, in 2024, 97% of EU citizens aged 16-29 years used the internet daily (compared to 88% of the total population). Most use it for communication, social media, and video calls.
The European Union aims for 80% of its population to have at least basic digital skills by 2030. In 2023, over 90% of people in the EU used the internet weekly, but only 56% possessed basic or above-basic digital skills. Meanwhile, businesses are also becoming increasingly digitized. In 2024, nearly all EU businesses (95%) had broadband internet access, and over half used social media and conducted online meetings. 13% of EU businesses adopted AI technologies.
A changing job market
The latest Future of Jobs Report 2025, published by the World Economic Forum (WEF), emphasizes that 60% of employers expect technology to have a significant impact on their businesses by 2030, particularly in areas such as AI and information processing. These trends will likely create and eliminate jobs. It is also expected that there will be a high demand for technology skills, especially in areas such as AI and big data, networks and cybersecurity, and technological literacy, which are among the three fastest-growing skill areas.
Meanwhile, ILO research suggests generative AI is more likely to augment than automate jobs.
The AI for Good Impact Report, co-authored by the UN Agency for Digital Technologies (ITU) and Deloitte noted that for 94% of global business leaders, AI will be critical to the success of their organizations over the next five years.
The AI for Good Impact Report, co-authored by the UN Agency for Digital Technologies (ITU) and Deloitte noted that for 94% of global business leaders, AI will be critical to the success of their organizations over the next five years. However, insufficient technical skills, the need for extensive upskilling and reskilling, as well as the need to build trust in new technologies, are among the key barriers to the broader adoption of AI globally.
Digital gaps
While businesses race ahead with digital transformation, many young people are left behind. In 2024, 11% of EU youth (aged 15–29) were not in employment, education, or training (NEET). Globally, the International Labour Organization (ILO) reported that in 2023, 256 million young people aged 15 to 24 were NEET, which represents 20.4% of the global youth population.
Despite its transformative potential, AI education is still uneven. Many young people learn about AI informally, from friends, online platforms, or personal interest, rather than through formal schooling. The AI divide represents unequal access to, benefits from, and opportunities in AI technology across various regions, communities, and socioeconomic groups. To bridge this gap, embracing and promoting AI literacy is paramount. Global leaders have a crucial role in promoting and encouraging AI literacy, as well as and in developing and implementing local educational programs. Programs tailored to local communities can help young people prepare for the opportunities and changes that will come with AI. Understanding the basics of AI is essential for everyone to thrive in this rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Closing the AI skills gap
To address these persistent digital gaps, various actors are working on potential solutions. At the beginning of 2025, more than 25 organizations from around the globe (including Amazon and Microsoft) established the AI Skills Coalition, an initiative of ITU to bridge the global AI skills gap and ensure equal worldwide access to AI training. The AI Skills Coalition will serve as an online platform for AI education and capacity building. It also helps to advance the implementation of the UN’s Pact for the Future and Global Digital Compact.
Another initiative, Giga, is a collaborative effort between UNICEF and ITU. It aims to bridge the digital divide that leaves millions of children without access to online educational resources. More than 500 million students worldwide lack access to online content, and nearly half of the world’s 6 million schools are not connected. Giga uses AI and machine learning techniques to optimize the planning and delivery of connectivity projects. It aims to create tools and resources that the global community can use.
“Digital education must be human-centered, nurturing not only technical ability, but also creativity, critical thinking, and compassion. And as AI reshapes our world, young people must be seen not just as learners – but as co-creators of a fairer digital future.” – António Guterres, UN Secretary-General
Fairer digital future
AI is not just transforming the world – it is transforming what it means to be young in the 21st century. While AI has the power to resolve some of humanity’s greatest challenges, these technologies also risk leaving the young, the poor, and the vulnerable far behind. To address this, we need to include young people in all conversations on artificial intelligence. The voices of young people must be at the heart of decision-making processes. Their lived experience, digital fluency, and creativity are powerful assets in shaping a future that is inclusive, ethical, and sustainable.
Young people are not just passive users of AI – they are learners, creators, and future leaders. We need to reinforce their knowledge and critical thinking skills that will empower them to ask the right questions, critically evaluate society, and thoughtfully lead the way into the future.
AI and digital literacy should be integrated into school curricula to foster critical thinking, bridge digital divides between regions and communities, and ensure access to essential tools and resources, particularly in low-income settings. Equipping young people with the right skills, protections, and opportunities is not just beneficial, it is necessary.
As the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres said: “Digital education must be human-centered, nurturing not only technical ability, but also creativity, critical thinking, and compassion. And as AI reshapes our world, young people must be seen not just as learners – but as co-creators of a fairer digital future.”
7 emerging non-tech career paths in artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence is no longer the future. It’s already shaping how we live, work, and learn. From smart assistants to personalised learning apps and automated hiring tools, AI is now part of everyday life. But here’s something many students still don’t realise — you don’t have to be a computer science genius to build a meaningful career in AI.In 2025, AI needs more than just coders. It needs people who understand ethics, design, communication, psychology, policy, and human behaviour. Whether you’re studying law, liberal arts, design, economics, or media, there is space for you in this fast-growing field. These emerging roles are all about making AI more responsible, more human, and more useful.Here are seven exciting non-tech career paths in artificial intelligence that you can start exploring now.
AI ethics specialist
AI systems make decisions that can affect real lives — from who gets hired to who receives a loan. That’s why companies and governments need experts who can guide them on what’s fair, what’s biased, and what crosses a line. Ethics specialists work closely with developers, legal teams, and product leaders to make sure AI is built and used responsibly.Best suited for: Students from philosophy, sociology, law, or political science backgroundsWhere to work: Tech companies, research institutes, policy think tanks, or digital rights NGOs
AI UX and UI designer
AI tools need to be easy to use, intuitive, and accessible. That’s where design comes in. AI UX and UI designers focus on creating smooth, human-centered experiences, whether it’s a chatbot, a virtual assistant, or a smart home interface. They use design thinking to make sure AI works well for real users.Best suited for: Students of psychology, graphic design, human-computer interaction, or visual communicationWhere to work: Tech startups, health-tech and ed-tech platforms, voice and interface design labs
AI policy analyst
AI raises big questions about privacy, rights, and regulation. Governments and organisations are racing to create smart policies that balance innovation with safety. AI policy analysts study laws, write guidelines, and advise decision-makers on how to manage the impact of AI in sectors like education, defense, healthcare, and finance.Best suited for: Public policy, law, international relations, or development studies studentsWhere to work: Government agencies, global institutions, research bodies, and policy units within companies
AI behavioural researcher
AI tools influence human behaviour — from how long we scroll to what we buy. Behavioural researchers look at how people respond to AI and what changes when technology gets smarter. Their insights help companies design better products and understand the social effects of automation and machine learning.Best suited for: Students of psychology, behavioural economics, sociology, or educationWhere to work: Tech companies, research labs, social impact startups, or mental health platforms
AI content strategist and explainer
AI is complex, and most people don’t fully understand it. That’s why companies need writers, educators, and content creators who can break it down. Whether it’s writing onboarding guides for AI apps or creating videos that explain how algorithms work, content strategists make AI easier to understand for everyday users.Best suited for: Students of journalism, English, media studies, marketing, or communicationWhere to work: Ed-tech and SaaS companies, AI product teams, digital agencies, or NGOs
AI program manager
This role is perfect for big-picture thinkers who love connecting people, processes, and purpose. Responsible AI program managers help companies build AI that meets ethical, legal, and user standards. They coordinate between tech, legal, and design teams and ensure that AI development stays aligned with values and global standards.Best suited for: Business, liberal arts, management, or public administration studentsWhere to work: Large tech firms, AI consultancies, corporate ethics teams, or international development agencies
AI research associate (non-technical)
Not all AI research is about coding. Many labs focus on the social, psychological, or economic impact of AI. As a research associate, you could be studying how AI affects jobs, education, privacy, or cultural behaviour. Your work might feed into policy, academic papers, or product design.Best suited for: Students from linguistics, anthropology, education, economics, or communication studiesWhere to work: Universities, research labs, global think tanks, or ethics institutesThe world of AI is expanding rapidly, and it’s no longer just about math, code, and machines. It’s also about people, systems, ethics, and storytelling. If you’re a student with curiosity, critical thinking skills, and a passion for meaningful work, there’s a place for you in AI — even if you’ve never opened a programming textbook.TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.
Google has upgraded its AI Mode with the advanced Gemini 2.5 Pro
AI Mode has also added Deep Search, which can now run hundreds of background searches
A new calling tool built into Search lets Google call businesses on your behalf
Google is continuing to try to get you to use its AI Mode when searching online with new and enhanced AI tools. The conversational search tool has made Google’s Gemini 2.5 Pro AI model available in AI Mode, along with the long-form report writing tool Deep Search.
Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the U.S. who are also part of the AI Mode experiment in Search Labs will now see an option to choose Gemini 2.5 Pro when asking tough questions as well.
This is the same heavyweight model behind Google’s most advanced AI tools. They’ll also have the option of using Deep Search, a feature available in the regular Gemini app that can simultaneously run hundreds of searches and will write up a report piecing together the information.
The more profound changes, though, are in how Search itself is evolving. Gemini 2.5 Pro doesn’t just fetch answers. It reasons. It explains math in full steps. It even writes code and tells you what that code is doing. And when paired with Deep Search, it can essentially conduct a research marathon on your behalf.
AI calling in
The new call feature for Search is something entirely different. It connects your search for information about a store to a phone call with AI. As Google shows in a demo, you can type “pet groomers near me” and ask for information not immediately accessible.
Instead, you can tap “Have Google call for you,” which will prompt Google to call local shops, ask about availability or rates, and then text or email the results directly to you. If that sounds like Google Duplex, that’s because Google’s Duplex technology powers it.
Of course, all this comes with a few asterisks such as having to pay for a subscription. Free users still get some limited AI call attempts, but the advanced AI Mode tools are reserved for paying customers.
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Google’s advantage over other AI developers is the sheer size of its Search database, so even as OpenAI and others attempt to produce similar products, Google might have a lasting edge. Still, there’s a learning curve.
AI that does too much too fast can lead to problems. You don’t want your research assistant skipping over credible sources in favor of a Reddit thread with 38 upvotes. And you certainly don’t want your AI calling the wrong person to schedule a colonoscopy.
“When I picked up the phone, it was my daughter’s voice,” Brightwell recalled. “It was her crying voice, she was hysterical.”
The caller claimed she had been in a car accident involving a pregnant woman while texting and driving and her phone had been confiscated by authorities, explaining why she was calling from a different number.
A man who identified himself as a public defender then took over the call, telling Brightwell that her daughter had been taken into custody and needed to post $15,000 in bail immediately.
“I said, ‘You have got to be kidding me,’” Brightwell said.
But desperate to help, she did as instructed, withdrawing the money from her bank account and waiting for a so-called “legal courier” to arrive at her home in Dover. She handed over the money.
“When I saw them pull off, I had the most sick feeling in my stomach,” she said.
It wasn’t long before Brightwell reached her real daughter and realized she’d been scammed. She’s now sharing her story in hopes of warning others about the emerging threat of AI-based voice scams.
“I absolutely don’t want anybody else in our community, in our state, or anywhere else to have to go through this,” she said.
How It Happened:
Brightwell believes the scammers used artificial intelligence to clone her daughter’s voice, possibly pulling clips from social media videos to create a convincing imitation.
“I’m telling you, there was nothing that could have convinced me that that was not my daughter’s voice that day,” she said.
She also suspects the scammers researched her family online before making contact.
“The agony I went through that day, that’s just evil for people to do that to a family,” she said.
After taking the money, the scammers called again, demanding an additional $30,000. Brightwell didn’t send more and eventually called the authorities.
What’s next:
Hillsborough County detectives are now investigating the case. While they have not publicly confirmed the use of AI, law enforcement officials said these types of scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and harder to trace.
They warn the public to be cautious when anyone asks for money, even if the voice on the phone sounds familiar.
The Source: Information for this story came from an interview with Sharon Brightwell.
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