Javier Pozo
Nathaniel Bulger
Students at The Pennsylvania State University

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As Young People Assess Generative AI’s Impact on Their Future, Can Intergenerational Conversations Safeguard Prosperity for All?

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Cartoons like Phineas and Ferb, Johnny Test, and Jimmy Neutron, were central Gen-Z pop culture. They resonated with a generation of ‘digital natives,’ reflecting our optimism and curiosity toward emerging technologies that have fostered a more connected world. Watching characters invent robots to handle their homework left us yearning for hyper-intelligent gadgets of our own. With the advent of ChatGPT and other Gen-AI models, this sci-fi fantasy became reality. Unsurprisingly, Gen-Z now uses AI more than any other generation. Although we are enthusiastic about AI’s potential to make daily life easier, we are also cognizant of the risks it poses. This technology emerged during our formative years and will shape our future profoundly. Gen-Z must be recognized as a key stakeholder in AI’s ​development, as irresponsible AI development would place our planet, our jobs, and our democracies in jeopardy. As businesses globally look to AI to enhance their competitiveness, we urge them to mitigate the impact large-scale AI adoption would have on our livelihood and well-being.

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Obstacles to Adopting AI Sustainably​

 

The world’s AI infrastructure consumes vast amounts of resources. Powering AI models requires GPUs (graphics processing units) and data centers to house them. These data centers are energy intensive and consume vast amounts of water to keep GPUs from overheating. It is estimated that by 2027, AI’s water consumption for cooling purposes will exceed 4-6 times that of Denmark’s, and NVIDIA’s new AI servers will consume more energy than Argentina and Sweden combined. Even the most ambitious ESG efforts have struggled to mitigate emissions at this scale. Google, for example, regressed significantly on emissions reduction goals after launching its LLM, Gemini. It is imperative that businesses prioritize ESG initiatives, but how can they if energy-intensive AI adoption is also a priority? Businesses must prioritize both areas if they hope to achieve the benefits of either one. Gen-Z is adamant that AI and sustainability can co-exist harmoniously. Youth Talks, a global consultation with over 5,000 Gen-Z participants, has led the conversation around youth perspectives on AI. Their work echoes Gen-Z’s sentiment that "AI should serve humanity without giving up core values or the health of the planet." As the voice of a younger generation, we speak on behalf of a future that is ours to inherit. Prioritizing short-term profit at the expense of our planet’s wellbeing has ensured young people will inherit a climate crisis. If companies fail to scale AI responsibly, we will inherit a climate catastrophe.

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Shaping AI’s Future: Key Advocates and Youth Initiatives

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Still many organizations already have started to mobilize aiming for a more ethical, inclusive future. These groups not only represent diverse cultures but also are being led by youth individuals at local, national and international levels. Such push for regional tailored AI models and governance structures aligns with the rise of the youth generation leading to the development of AI initiatives that emphasize local contexts, inclusivity, and cultural preservation. Across the globe, young leaders are pioneering programs that bring AI education and development closer to their communities, ensuring that AI's future is not decided by one country but shaped by a diverse set of voices.​

 

A report from ASEAN, showcases SEA-LION, an open-source AI model designed to support Southeast Asian languages and cultural contexts, in an attempt to decentralize AI development and data sovereignty. This approach reflects a broader movement toward data decolonization, ensuring that AI models are not shaped by dominant global sectors but instead cater to local linguistic and societal needs.

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Estonia’s Ai Leap Initiative, is a nationwide program that integrates AI education into their national curriculum. By collaborating with companies like OpenAI and Anthropic, this initiative provides free access to AI learning tools for high school students. The goal of this initiative is to ensure that young generations are equipped to navigate our current AI-driven job market. Also, thousands of teachers are trained to incorporate responsible use of AI into their classrooms, positioning Estonia as a leader in AI literacy among youth.

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Solve Education! is an initiative for underserved communities from Southeast Asia & Africa, making AI education more inclusive. It is a global nonprofit that uses AI-driven educational tools to provide access to literacy, numeracy, and life skills for young people that are currently out of school. Within their initiative they were able to develop a mobile game, Dawn of Civilization, and an AI-based chatbot that delivers interactive lessons helping young learners develop not only their critical thinking, but also knowledge in the basics of Artificial Intelligence.​

 

A United Nations accredited nonprofit, 1M1B (One Million for One Billion) Foundation from India, focuses on empowering young people through AI education, entrepreneurship, and the development of digital skills. The organization launched India’s first AI Youth Lab in New Delhi, designed to accelerate the adoption of AI for social good. 1M1B helps young innovators by providing mentorship, training, and hands-on projects.​

 

Digital Natives Academy-New Zealand is a unique initiative based in Rotorua, New Zealand. The main focus of this initiative is to foster digital and AI literacy among Māori youth. By integrating indigenous values and language into the development and training of AI and Large Language Models (LLM), DNA offers free programs in coding, robotics, and game development. Their academy ensures that AI education is accessible and culturally relevant.

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Protect Jobs While Enhancing Human Productivity

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These and other initiatives rally to anticipate and prepare the Gen Z for risks to their livelihood posed by AI. The emergence of this powerful technology has forever changed the labour market. AI is set to eliminate 85 million jobs worldwide, including many entry-level jobs. With such a significant barrier to entering the workforce, how will Gen-Z build stable careers and establish their place in the world? Although many jobs remain “AI-proof” for the time being, further advancements of AI capabilities should aim to enhance human worker productivity, not replace it.

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AI Threatens Democracy By Diluting the Authenticity of Digital Discourse​

 

Often described as 'chronically online,' Gen-Z understands social media's power to organize for democratic representation and fight oppression. During the Arab Spring, Wael Ghonim famously used Facebook to mobilize millions of protesters against authoritarian regimes. Recently, however, AI-run accounts have infiltrated these platforms, spreading misinformation and undermining trust in online communication. For example, the US Government uncovered an FSB-operated ‘AI-enhanced social media bot farm,’ where accounts posing as US citizens posted propaganda to justify Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. A similar operation spread conspiracy theories about the 2024 US Presidential Election. Young people are deeply troubled by AI’s role in corrupting digital communication. We must ensure that major platforms support unadulterated civic engagement. Without it, the integrity of our world’s democracies is at the mercy of those who seek to twist the consensus of the people to serve their interests. Companies operating major online platforms must do so in the interest of truth and authenticity.

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Conclusion

 

AI has immense potential to transform how we work and live, but its widespread implementation comes with significant risks. This technology requires an immense amount of resources to develop and operate. It also threatens jobs, infiltrates online civic spaces, and undermines trust in digital communication. When innovation outpaces responsibility, retroactive regulations and remedies cannot fully undo the damage caused by a lack of foresight. Young people must demand sustainable AI adoption, a regulatory environment that protects entry-level jobs, and tech company leadership that will keep AI from influencing public opinion. Our generation must ensure our voices are heard, as our future depends on responsible AI development. We cannot afford to inherit a world where climate catastrophe, job instability, and democratic backsliding are exacerbated by AI.