ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND YOUTH: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY ON UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND YOUTH: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY ON UNIVERSITY STUDENTSWith rapid advancements in information and communication technologies, generative artificial intelligence tools have become significant tools that change young people's habits in areas such as communication and access to information. This study examines the effects of university students' experiences using AI-powered digital applications on their communication practices and daily lives using a phenomenological research design. Six different themes were identified from the findings: "Information orientation and changes in learning habits," "Cognitive decline anxiety," "Occupational uncertainty anxiety," "Artificial intelligence as an alternative emotional support mechanism," "Emotional support data security and privacy perception," and "Manipulation." These findings demonstrate that young people's experiences regarding the use of artificial intelligence largely overlap with studies in the literature and support existing research. This study offers a qualitative and experience-based contribution to the existing literature by addressing the cognitive, emotional, and social effects of artificial intelligence on young people from a phenomenological perspective..Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Youth, Digital Communication, Everyday Life Practices, Phenomenological Research.