Navigating the ethical future of conversational AI use by youth

This theoretical reflection paper explores critical ethical challenges for youths' use of conversational artificial intelligence (CAI), highlighting promises and pitfalls. Central to the discussion is the challenge of developing ethical AI systems to make morally sound decisions to minimize harm and maximize beneficence. To address ethical concerns and safeguard youth-AI interactions, innovative solutions are highlighted: developing computational ethics paradigms to ensure transparency and accountability in AI algorithms and promoting communities of AI use. The paper concludes by underscoring the ongoing challenge of imbuing AI with ethical reasoning capacities, highlighting the critical need for interdisciplinary approaches to ensure responsible AI development and use by younger and older humans alike. [Publisher's text]