The American dream, and its promise of upward socioeconomic mobility is the main reason why people from all around the world are flocking to the United States. However, as AI and robotics slowly take over approximately 30% of work hours, and impact employment, job security, and entrepreneurship, one’s fortune will depend largely on individual adaptability. People will need to upskill, take risks, learn to utilize AI systems, and improve traits such as critical thinking, creativity, and interpersonal skills to thrive in this new environment. Thus, many citizens unable to adapt will be left behind, especially kids that come from low-income families. Many of these kids often face higher risks of addiction and mental health issues, as well as becoming victims or perpetrators of crimes. What can we do to help them in this changing world, in order to mitigate the prevalence of poverty, ultimately improving society?

Poverty is not just a lack of money; it’s a lack of opportunity. According to UNICEF, one in six children globally lives in extreme poverty, surviving on less than $2.15 per day. These children face educational barriers, health issues, and exposure to violence, all of which perpetuate the cycle for generations. In 2023, the official poverty rate in the U.S. fell to 11.1 percent, with New Mexico being an outlier, having 18.2% of the population living below the poverty line. In order to improve the statistics and ensure the ongoing success of the American dream, I believe that we can take advantage of the technological advances that could put us in danger: most notably, Artificial Intelligence (AI).

AI as an educational tool

Education (the single most powerful way for upward mobility) enhanced by AI ensures not only access to critical information that could create successful adults in the job market, but could also enhance equity and personalization. Adaptive AI tutors tailor content to each child’s pace, learning style, and gaps, which is especially critical in under-resourced classrooms. AI-powered translation tools can also provide educational content in local dialects or indigenous languages, increasing comprehension and cultural relevance. While AI systems are most effective when used in English, LLMs are getting better each year. To combat the gap between children’s financial backgrounds, offline solutions also appeared. Projects like “Kolibri” bring AI-enhanced learning to areas without consistent internet by using local servers and open-source content.

Research shows that children who receive personalized instruction can learn 1.5 to 2 times more effectively than those in traditional classrooms, thus, AI could break down barriers to quality education and increase understanding for millions.

Naturally, this is only possible after a child has reached a certain maturity level, as well as an adequate level of basic skills, such as reading comprehension and literacy. There should also be stress to ensure that children do not become overly reliant on chatbots, using information without question, or emotionally addicted to their algorithmic teacher.

AI as a protective tool

In addition to educational purposes, AI systems may be used to protect children from harm. Poverty often leaves children more vulnerable to trafficking, abuse, and online exploitation. However, AI systems can be used to help find missing children or moderate online content. Some tools used by platforms like Thorn and Microsoft can detect harmful or exploitative content and protect children’s digital environments. There are also predictive analytics that help child protection services identify children at risk by analyzing school attendance, reports of neglect, or even food insecurity patterns. Early intervention saves lives – and futures.

This protective side of technology is especially important, seeing that predators are already using AI – not just to create deepfakes, but also to lure the most vulnerable members of society. We must do our best to utilize AI tools to their fullest potential to combat the negative effects already perceived, and give children a better chance of a safe life.

Smart Economics

If the moral implications of utilizing AI to educate young, vulnerable populations does not seem economically sound, there have also been studies indicating that on the long run, investment in this cause would have a great societal turnover rate.

According to the World Bank, investing in children’s health, education, and safety yields returns of up to ten times over a person’s lifetime, through higher productivity and lower public spending on social services and crime. There is an observed reduction in adult arrests if students come from better-funded schools (or receive personalized, high-quality tutoring by other means), generating social savings that exceed the costs to the government of increasing school funding.

Meanwhile, McKinsey estimates that AI could add up to $13 trillion to the global economy by 2030. Even a fraction of that, redirected toward AI tools for education and protection would dramatically reduce child poverty in one generation.

Conclusion

As previously mentioned, utilizing AI tools requires a certain level of understanding from the child, and a devoted effort of guidance from the adults. Thus, we must ensure that AI tools are reliable and inclusive, reaching children in rural, marginalized, and low-income communities; privacy-safe, with robust protections for children’s data and identities; and developed with local partners, including educators, child psychologists, and communities. 

Technology won’t save us on its own: it will only reflect our priorities. Therefore, I strongly encourage that we prioritize children. Most importantly, AI should complement, not replace, the human relationships that every child needs to thrive. If all we can do is reach out, offer support to a family in need, and try to strengthen our human relationships, that is a vital first step to allowing AI to take education to its fullest potential.

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Monika Mercz

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