Artificial Intelligence and Youth Socialization in Digital Era

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has increasingly become an integral part of youth life. It is influencing patterns of communication, interaction, and identity formation of youth. In the digital era, AI-based applications increasingly mediate social relationships, academic collaboration, and self-expression, raising important sociological questions about the transformation of youth socialization. This study aims to evaluate the level of AI usage among undergraduate students, analyze its impact on communication skills and confidence, and examine its role in peer networking and collaboration. The research is based on primary data collected from 200 undergraduate students aged 19–22 years from various streams, using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to interpret responses related to AI usage, social interaction patterns, academic collaboration, and perceptions of AI’s broader social impact. The findings reveal that a majority of students use AI in social media communication and perceive it as making online interaction easier than offline communication. Over half of the students believe AI promotes academic collaboration, while many also perceive increased competition. The study concludes that AI does not replace youth socialization but transforms its structure and dynamics. AI functions simultaneously as a facilitator of communication, a source of academic capital, and a mediator of identity construction. The findings highlight the need for balanced and ethical integration of AI to ensure that digital advancement complements rather than reduces human interaction. The study concludes that AI is not merely a technological tool but a transformative social force reshaping youth socialization in contemporary network society.