AI ≠ Human: helping young people understand the limits of chatbots

Today, young people are no longer only exposed to the internet or social media; they also interact with artificial intelligence (AI) systems capable of simulating attention, responding to them and offering support, while storing personal information. As these interactions become increasingly natural and fluid, they may raise concerns when chatbots begin to replace human relationships or influence social behaviour.

In response to this development, the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth is launching the AI ≠ Human campaign. Presented on 16 April 2026 at a press conference by Minister Claude Meisch, the campaign aims to encourage a more critical use of chatbots and to convey a clear message: AI is a useful tool, but it cannot replace human relationships.

"Behind the use of chatbots, there is often a deeper reality: loneliness. AI can create the illusion of presence, but it will never replace a human being. We must ensure that young people seeking support are not lost in this illusion, help them understand the difference, and make sure they can turn to the right person at the right time," the Minister said.

AI increasingly present in young people's digital lives

The AI ≠ Human campaign builds on findings from the BEE SECURE Radar 2026, which confirm the growing integration of chatbots into young people's digital habits. Almost all young people report having used them (96% of 12-16 year-olds and 97% of 17-30 year-olds), and around a quarter use them daily. While this use is often practical and helpful - for finding information, rephrasing ideas and more - the conversational tone adopted by chatbots can create the illusion of a relationship that should not be confused with genuine human interaction.

According to the same study, 17% of young people see AI as a friend, 20% use it to feel less lonely, and 5% believe it can replace time spent with others. In addition, half of young people occasionally use AI for personal advice, and around a quarter discuss personal topics they would not share with others.

These findings, also reflected in recent international studies, highlight the need to strengthen awareness among young people and those around them about a more critical and informed use of chatbots.

This need was also raised during discussions between the Ministry and the National Student Conference in the context of exchanges on the KI Kompass, the strategic framework for the responsible use of AI in schools. Students highlighted the sense of loneliness experienced by many young people, which leads them to turn to AI, often at the expense of real-life friendships. They also expressed the need for a dedicated awareness campaign.

Like the KI Kompass, the campaign places people at its centre and warns against unreflective use of AI, while highlighting that it can lead not only to cognitive dependency but also emotional dependency when it replaces human interaction. The aim is therefore to promote a conscious use of AI and to reinforce the importance of authentic human relationships and independent thinking.

An illusion of connection not to be confused with reality

The AI ≠ Human campaign emphasises that while chatbots can be useful in many contexts, they are limited to analysing and generating statistically probable responses. They cannot replace human empathy, the support of loved ones or professional guidance. Human interaction involves emotion, nuance, context and responsibility. Young people can turn to their peers, family members or trusted individuals, as well as to trained professionals, such as the psycho-social and educational support services available in secondary schools.

The campaign's key messages are conveyed through five slogans:

• AI can't hug you back
• AI can't think for you
• AI remembers everything
• Talk to your kids before AI does
• AI can listen, but it can't feel

Five key challenges addressed by the campaign

• Social isolation: chatbots can simulate listening, availability and attention. This constant presence may feel reassuring, but it does not replace real human relationships.
• Substitution for human relationships: when chatbots are perceived as friends or preferred interlocutors, the boundary between technical simulation and human interaction becomes blurred.
• Decline in real dialogue: turning to a tool rather than a trusted person for sensitive topics may reflect difficulties in finding spaces for open communication in real life.
• Personal data and privacy: information shared with chatbots, particularly when sensitive, is not necessarily confidential or protected.
• Cognitive offloading: relying systematically on AI to formulate, decide or think may weaken independent thinking and critical judgement.

René: a robotic doll bringing the campaign to life

The AI ≠ Human campaign targets young people aged 12 to 30 and those around them. It is the result of a collaboration between the Ministry, the BEE SECURE service - a government initiative coordinated by the National Youth Service (SNJ) - the Centre for Psycho-social and Educational Support (CePAS), and the National Student Conference of Luxembourg (CNEL).

At the heart of the campaign is René, a robotic doll that serves as its visual thread and helps make the message accessible and interactive. René appears both in digital content and in on-the-ground activities, including visits to secondary schools, where it engages directly with young people. It answers frequently asked questions, guides users and directs them to appropriate support services and information.

Running from April to June 2026, the campaign is deployed across several channels:

• The website nothuman.lu, featuring key messages, visual content, a video and a calendar of activities
• Social media presence on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube
• Activities led by BEE SECURE in secondary schools, in collaboration with CePAS, and in public spaces, allowing young people to interact with René
• Public advertising
• Collaboration with influencers to amplify the campaign's messages

Through all these channels, the campaign conveys a clear message: artificial intelligence, designed and programmed by humans, remains a tool - not a person.

Press release by the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth