Recent statistics from the UK highlight a growing trend that is likely unfolding in a similar way here in Poland.

The organization Male Allies UK surveyed 1,000 boys aged 12–16, and the results are concerning: 8 out of 10 have interacted with an AI-powered chatbot. Furthermore, many young people are beginning to view AI not merely as a tool, but as an alternative to human relationships. Over one-third of respondents admitted they prefer talking to chatbots over family or friends, and one in five knows someone who is in a "relationship" with an AI. This clearly illustrates how the way young people build connections is shifting.

Even more troubling are the findings regarding loneliness and a sense of disorientation:
– 81% of boys feel there are no places where they can truly be themselves
– 72% have no more than one person who knows them well
– 79% are unclear about what masculinity means
– 65% believe school does not prepare them for the future
– 54% claim it is harder to be a boy today than a girl
– 82% do not trust politicians

It is evident that artificial intelligence is beginning to fill a void previously occupied by human interaction. For many boys, a chatbot becomes someone to talk to, someone to confide in, and sometimes even someone "close." This is precisely why the educational initiatives we lead in Reda are so vital.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a part of young people's daily lives—embedded in phones, social media, games, and learning tools. For children and teenagers, it is no longer a novelty but a natural part of their environment. The problem is that they often use it without fully understanding how it works or its long-term consequences.

In response to this reality, we conduct workshops for youth aged 11–13, where we demonstrate what AI truly is and how it impacts their lives. We do not fear-monger; instead, we teach conscious and responsible usage. We discuss both the benefits, such as academic support and creative development, and the risks, including technological addiction, the loss of personal skills, and emotional attachment to chatbots. We pay special attention to why young people increasingly treat AI as a conversational partner or even a "close companion."

We rely on current data and real-world examples, helping participants see that this phenomenon is widespread while teaching them to maintain mindfulness and critical thinking. Through conversation, discussion, and simple exercises, we help them examine their own habits.

We believe that education about artificial intelligence should start early, as this is not just a technological issue. It is, first and foremost, a matter of relationships, emotions, and how young people navigate a world that is changing faster than ever before.