The Future Report: Why young people must help shape the future of AI

2026-06-10 · Source: The Keyword · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Public Policy & Governance · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

The "Future Report," a collaboration between Google, youth consultancy Livity, and My Life My Say, advocates for the active involvement of young people in the design and governance of Artificial Intelligence. This report, based on conversations with UK teens, reveals that the next generation is not merely adapting to AI but is prepared to shape its future. Young people are already using AI for learning, creation, and problem-solving, while simultaneously demonstrating a clear awareness of challenges like misinformation and manipulated content. They seek to help define how these technologies should be used, what safeguards are necessary, and which values should guide their development. The report underscores that treating young people as stakeholders, not just end-users, is essential for building public trust and strengthening democracy in the evolving AI landscape.

Key takeaway

For policymakers and technology companies developing AI, you must actively involve young people in decision-making processes. Recognize them as informed stakeholders, not just end-users, to ensure AI's design, governance, and values align with societal needs and foster public trust. Your institutions should create mechanisms to integrate youth perspectives on safeguards and ethical guidelines, preventing future technologies from simply "happening to" the next generation.

Key insights

Young people must be recognized as active stakeholders in AI's design and governance to ensure public trust and democratic integrity.

Principles

• AI's future requires societal choices, not just technology.
• Young people are informed, engaged, and ready to contribute.
• Involving youth strengthens public trust and democracy.

Method

The report's insights were gathered through events and conversations with young people, exploring their perspectives on AI use, opportunities, and risks.

In practice

• Engage youth in AI design discussions.
• Incorporate youth perspectives on AI safeguards.
• Consult young people on AI's guiding values.

Topics

• AI Governance
• Youth Engagement
• Digital Policy
• Public Trust
• Misinformation
• AI Ethics

Best for: Policy Maker, AI Ethicist, Consultant

Related on AIssential

• Read The Future Report, our research elevating teen voices across the UK. — UK teens are critical, enthusiastic digital users, with high AI adoption and information trustworthiness consideration.
• Silicon Valley's Moral Posturing Is an AI Power Play — Silicon Valley's shift to moral posturing in AI debates reflects declining public trust and a struggle for control over technology's ethical direction.
• To be truly participative, stakeholder involvement should follow an AI system’s entire lifecycle — True participatory AI demands continuous stakeholder involvement and community authority across the entire system lifecycle.
• How everyone and anyone can use AI for good — Individual engagement with AI for good can counteract misuse and drive positive societal change.
• The AI Ethics Brief #189: The Futures We Make Room For — AI futures are not inevitable; they are shaped by collective deliberation, contested ideas, and community-driven construction.
• The predictability gap in digital public infrastructure — The predictability gap in DPI adoption stems from complex human systems, which GenAI can help navigate and accelerate.

Open in AIssential →

Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by The Keyword.