AI and algorithms - Overview

Artificial intelligence, or AI, uses computer algorithms trained on data sets to complete tasks with little human help. Children and teens interact with these systems daily through games, apps and content recommendations. Since AI algorithms are hard to fully understand—sometimes called a "black box"—they can reflect and perpetuate existing bias. Young people need "algorithmic literacy" to understand AI’s increasing role and become critical, proactive users who maintain control of their personal information.

Tech companies use AI algorithms to boost user attention and engagement, allowing them to sell personalized advertising. Recommendation systems, for example, filter content to prevent users from suffering "choice paralysis." Generative AI can create convincing fake content, like "deepfakes," which makes it hard to tell what’s real. Chatbots, based on large language models, may also make up facts, known as "hallucinations," or model unhealthy relationship scripts. Users must understand that these tools are often optimized to gather personal data.