Why YRT?
Without proper oversight, technology can backfire and become a liability instead of an asset that helps society. Numerous examples have been coming forth recently. A Center for Countering Digital Hate study found that when researchers posed as 13-year-old users and searched and liked mental-health videos, they received potentially harmful content (including about eating disorders and self-harm) from TikTok every few minutes or more. Forbes magazine argues that while AI can provide personalized learning and instant feedback, it cannot replace the human and emotional support that students need to succeed, and relying too heavily on AI-powered educational tools may impact students negatively. The Brookings Institute published a finding that states that kids from Black and Latino or Hispanic communities—who are often already on the wrong side of the digital divide—will face greater inequalities if we go too far toward digitizing education without considering how to check the inherent biases of the developers who create AI systems.
Although the recent technological advancements are affecting youth directly, they are not being involved in a dialog in policy making to provide oversight. Industry is sprinting with technological advancements, without taking a breath to assess its effects on society while lawmakers grapple with this pace to put in place effective safeguards. None of them are involving or inviting the youth to the table.
Therefore the need for an organization like Youth for Responsible Tech (YRT). It will foster a dialogue between youth, industry, and policy decision-makers.
It's time to create our seat at the table to influence decisions for oversight of tech that ensures a safer future for our generation and those beyond.