Reflections on Children, Digital Culture, and AI

Abstract Many religious educators express fears about the effects of digital culture and AI on children’s spiritual well-being. This essay acknowledges the prevalence of digital culture in young people’s lives and briefly explores some positive aspects as well as problematic challenges of digital engagement and artificial intelligence for children’s spirituality. It suggests that an attitude of curiosity and critical reflection about living in networked societies that engage AI is how religious educators might best support children and their families in these rapidly changing times.