Coffee Break #1: AI for Beginners

HOST

Dorea

DATE

March 31, 2026

TOPIC

AI without the Hype: An Introduction for Youth Information Workers

Description

This session offers an accessible introduction to artificial intelligence for youth information workers who are new to the topic or feel somewhat overwhelmed by the buzz around AI. We will explore what AI actually is (and what it is not), where young people already encounter it in everyday life, and why it matters for youth information work. The session focuses on building confidence, shared language, and curiosity rather than technical expertise.

Highlights

  • AI is more than ChatGPT. It started as rule-based algorithms in 1951 and evolved through machine learning and neural networks into today’s generative AI.
  • AI is nearly 100 years old. The field has gone through multiple “AI winters” and booms; we’re currently in the most advanced boom yet.
  • Water & energy concerns are real but solvable. The bigger issue is poor placement of data centers, not the technology itself.
  • AI should not replace human creativity. Generated content (art, music, video) should be clearly labeled so audiences can choose.
  • Best ethical use: repetitive tasks. Let AI handle bulk, low-thinking work (code completion, spreadsheet updates) while humans keep decision-making.
  • Protect your data. Never use free AI tools for sensitive or company data, as your prompts may be used to train the model.