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Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how children and young people learn, relate, and understand themselves, introducing not only technological benefits but also deep ethical, social, and anthropological challenges. Early and intensive exposure to AI-powered systems, from personalised algorithms to social media and virtual companions, shapes young people’s identities and values, often promoting efficiency and control over patience, vulnerability, and relational depth. Recent research suggests that such exposure can also accelerate secularization and negatively impact our ability to relate with one another by undermining openness to transcendence and relational dependence. In this context, the Church is called to respond with urgency and creativity, rethinking educational and catechetical strategies to move beyond mere information delivery and foster authentic, transformative personal encounters. This paper examines some of the main AI-related challenges facing young people today and proposes theological and pastoral reflections to help Catholic educators form hearts and minds rooted in love, resilience, and true human dignity in the age of AI.
Octavian Machidon (Tue,) studied this question.