80 Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence – A Guide to Youth Work

Cover image of a book titled "80 Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence – Reflections on AI for those working with young people" by Jarno Alastalo. The background is a surreal, painted scene featuring a humanoid robot with a square head standing on a classical pedestal. The robot has large, expressive eyes and metallic arms. Surrounding the robot are humanoid figures with animal-like faces, dressed in medieval robes, gazing at the robot. The top of the image shows logos of the City of Helsinki, Into Publishing, and the Finnish Society on Media Education (Mediakasvatusseura).

Artificial intelligence is like GPS for the intellectual landscape: it offers guidance and easy answers but can impact young people’s independent thinking. Young people’s digital soul—their data and likes—creates a shadow image guided by algorithms. Do we have the power to influence this? AI can support youth participation and well-being, but it also raises ethical questions: can we trust AI to recognize right from wrong if it can’t even tell a muffin from a dog? AI is neither a god nor a demon—it reflects human choices. Its use requires responsibility.

Jarno Alastalo’s new guide for professionals working with young people explores artificial intelligence and its potential applications in the field. The guide was created in collaboration with the City of Helsinki Youth Services, Into – Association for Outreach Youth Work and Workshop Activities and the Finnish Society on Media Education.

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The work is published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license.
If you wish to use the work in your own publication, please include the following information in the publication:
The guide was written by Jarno Alastalo as part of the project ”AI skills strengthening youth agency” (Tekoälytaidot nuorten toimijuutta vahvistamassa), in collaboration with Helsinki Youth Services, Into – Association for Outreach Youth Work and Workshop Activities, and the Finnish Society on Media Education (Mediakasvatusseura). Produced 2025.