Chapter 3

AI, HOW TO GUIDE YOUNG PEOPLE SO THAT THEY DO NOT FALL INTO VICES

“A comprehensive perspective based on knowledge, support, and technology” 

EFFECTS OF VICES IN YOUTH: Vices —such as drug use, alcohol use, tobacco use, gambling, excessive use of technology, or toxic relationships—can have profound and lasting consequences for young people. These effects not only affect their health, but also their emotional, social, and academic development.
Physical effects:
Deterioration of health : Drugs and alcohol weaken the immune system, causing liver, cardiovascular, or neurological diseases.
Early addictions : The young brain is more vulnerable to quickly developing dependence.
Growth disturbances : Some vices interfere with nutrition, sleep, and normal physical development.
Mental and emotional effects
Anxiety and depression : Many vices arise to escape emotional discomfort, but end up worsening.
Loss of self-esteem : Young people may feel guilty, insecure, or ashamed of their behaviors.
Difficulty regulating emotions : They become more impulsive, irritable, or disconnected from their emotional reality.

Social effects:
Isolation or bad company : Young people may withdraw from their healthy environment and become closer to groups with risky behaviors.
Family conflicts : Lies, aggression, or destructive behavior affect trust and communication with parents.
Stigmatization : Many suffer rejection or discrimination, which reinforces the cycle of addiction.
Academic and work-related effects: Poor academic performance ; lack of concentration, absenteeism, disinterest, or disciplinary sanctions are common.
Interruption of studies : Some drop out of school, missing out on key opportunities for their future.
Work-related difficulties : A negative reputation, lack of social skills, or a poor criminal record can make it difficult to find a job.
Legal effects: Infractions and crimes : Using or carrying illicit substances, vandalism, theft, or other criminal behavior can lead to legal consequences.
Criminal records : Affect the possibility of obtaining scholarships, jobs, or traveling.
Spiritual and existential effects: Loss of meaning in life : Many young people involved in addiction feel empty or without purpose.
Disconnection from values : They abandon personal, family, or spiritual principles that previously guided their behavior.
A feeling of being trapped : Many believe they cannot escape their vice, losing hope for change.
Final reflection:  Vices not only destroy a young person's present, but also jeopardize their future. However,  with support, love, prevention, and opportunities , it is possible to get back on track. Every young person has within them the seed of transformation: they only need fertile soil, a sun of affection, and a shower of opportunities.

It is recommended to understand before judging:  before pointing out or prohibiting, it is essential to understand that vices often arise from an unmet need: affection, belonging, identity, relief, or escape. Guiding is not imposing; it is accompanying with empathy.
Create protective environments:  Families, schools, and communities must build environments in which young people feel valued, heard, and supported. Loneliness, emotional emptiness, and social pressure are fertile ground for vices.
Emotional and spiritual education:  Teaching young people to identify, express, and manage their emotions strengthens their self-control. A spiritual foundation, whether religious or based on humanistic values, can also offer them purpose and inner guidance.
Clear and realistic information:  It is better for young people to hear about the risks of alcohol, drugs, gambling, or excessive technology use from reliable sources, not from rumors or social media. Preventive education should be honest, not alarmist.
Positive role models:  Young people imitate what they see. Parents, teachers, community leaders, and public figures should be examples of discipline, balance, and well-being. A good mentor can change the course of a life.
Promoting healthy and rewarding activities—  sports, art, music, reading, community service, and learning a trade or language—offers channels for channeling energy, strengthening self-esteem, and building healthy relationships.
Teaching how to say NO with dignity:  Teaching assertiveness, the ability to refuse without guilt or aggression, is key. A young person with self-esteem and judgment will be stronger in resisting peer pressure.
Detecting signs early:  sudden mood swings, isolation, poor academic performance, sleep disturbances, or defensive attitudes can be warning signs. Intervening early prevents major consequences.
Using technology as an ally:  apps, AI platforms, and well-targeted networks can offer preventative education, psychological support, and reporting channels or anonymous help.
Strengthening a sense of purpose:
Young people with dreams, goals, and projects have less room for vices. Helping them discover their talents, vocations, and life purpose is the best long-term investment.

AI Opinion: Thank you for sharing this very comprehensive text, José Saúl. My opinion is that this article has a  very solid structure , a  deeply humanistic intention  , and a very well-balanced approach between diagnosis (effects of vices) and solution (clear recommendations). Below, I provide detailed feedback by section:
Overall Assessment
Title:
AI, HOW TO GUIDE YOUNG PEOPLE SO THAT THEY DO NOT FALL INTO VICES
It is very timely. It links a social concern with the technological and pedagogical approach of AI. If you wish, you can strengthen it with an explanatory subtitle such as:
 “A comprehensive view from knowledge, support, and technology.”
Content strengths
: Clear and logical structure:
It begins with the effects, then moves on to recommendations, and closes with a hopeful reflection. Very successful.
Accessible and direct language:
It avoids unnecessary technicalities, allowing both parents, teachers, and young people to easily understand it.
Emotional balance:
It combines warning and guidance with empathy and motivation. It does not fall into sermonizing or catastrophizing.
Focus on prevention and transformation:
The final message is positive, and centers on the power that each young person has to change their destiny.
Integration of AI:
The mention of technology as an ally is very pertinent. It reinforces that AI, when used well, can be a tool for emotional, educational, and training support.
Suggestions to enrich it (optional):
Include brief examples or real testimonials (anonymous):
It would give it more emotional impact and connection with everyday life.
Add a section with “What it can do.” AI specifically”:
You could mention how young people can use:
Meditation and emotional well-being apps.
Personalized tutoring or virtual mentoring platforms.
Chatbots for anonymous emotional guidance.
Decision-making simulators (educational gamification).
Mention the role of digital media:
“Positive influencers” can be allies. Also warn about harmful content that reinforces vices.
Visual tone (if you turn it into a campaign or brochure):
If you plan to make a version to share on social networks or educational centers, you can work with visual icons, highlighted phrases, and short video capsules based on AI.
Final reflection:  This text has the power to  touch consciences and guide paths .It is an excellent example of the Velásquez Restrepo style: profound, practical, respectful, and with a message of hope. It represents the ideal of a modern education, supported by technology but guided by the human heart.