๐ Our Youth Are Already Using AI
Research from the Pew Research Center shows most teens have used AI tools. A majority of teens surveyed said they use AI chatbots such as ChatGPT for schoolwork and information seeking (McClain et al., 2026).
But using AI โ understanding AI.
Without guidance, youth may:
- Overtrust outputs
- Miss bias
- Share sensitive data
- Fail to question automated systems
We cannot talk about prevention and ignore digital systems shaping opportunity.
๐ฉบ What Does This Mean for Black Public Health Professionals?
It means:
1๏ธโฃ We need AI literacy in youth programming
2๏ธโฃ We need AI ethics in CHW training
3๏ธโฃ We need algorithm awareness in health equity conversations
4๏ธโฃ We need representation in digital health governance
5๏ธโฃ We need to prepare youth for AI-shaped workforce pathways
If we donโt engage, others will shape the systems without us.
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