Artificial intelligence has become one of the most discussed topics of our time. From translation tools to writing assistants, from data analysis to image generation, AI is reshaping the way we study, work, and think. But in order for young people to benefit, AI must be seen for what it really is: not a replacement for human effort, but a partner in the learning process.

There is a temptation to treat AI as a shortcut—to generate answers instantly, to let algorithms do the work. But real learning happens when young people stay curious, ask questions, and challenge results. AI becomes most powerful when used as a tool for exploration: comparing different perspectives, testing hypotheses, and sparking creativity.

This is why Connecting Minds for Digital Tomorrow!, implemented by Stichting yEUth under the European Solidarity Corps, places AI in the context of media literacy and critical thinking. Workshops are designed not only to introduce participants to new technologies, but to make them reflect on how those technologies shape knowledge, opportunities, and risks.

AI tools are not neutral. They reflect the biases of the data they are trained on and can produce errors or misleading results. Simply copying an AI-generated answer can reinforce misinformation or reduce independent thinking. The challenge is not whether to use AI, but how.

In this project, participants are encouraged to test AI responses, cross-check them, and reflect on their accuracy. This practice transforms AI from a source of answers into a trigger for deeper questions. In doing so, young people build both digital literacy and resilience: they learn to use technology actively, not passively.

The ability to navigate AI is already becoming a key skill in the workplace. Employers increasingly value not just technical know-how, but the capacity to adapt, think critically, and use digital tools responsibly. By experimenting with AI in a safe learning environment, young people gain practical experience that will help them both academically and professionally.

For students, this may mean discovering how AI can support research or language learning. For young professionals, it may involve using AI to improve productivity or manage digital projects. In both cases, the focus is on empowerment: AI as a tool to enhance human initiative, not replace it.

As digital technologies become more embedded in society, the ability to engage with AI responsibly is part of what it means to be an active citizen. It is not just about efficiency, but about agency: having the confidence to question results, the skills to adapt, and the courage to innovate.

This is the vision of Connecting Minds for Digital Tomorrow!: to create a community of young people who not only understand the opportunities of AI but also recognize its limitations, and who can use it to build—not replace—their own voice.

Learning with AI is not about outsourcing thinking. It is about strengthening it.