Navigating insecurity: the role of generative AI in transforming education and empowering educators

Recent data on changes in the Human Development Index (HDI) reveal that over six in seven people worldwide experience feelings of insecurity (UNPD, 2022). This pervasive insecurity is undermining social, economic, and political structures, as less secure individuals exhibit lower levels of trust and a greater propensity toward extreme political views (Beck, 1992; 2006). Transformations in social conditions are reshaping subjective perceptions of trust, self-esteem, and autonomy, with significant implications for learning and cultural growth. Against this backdrop, recent developments in Generative AI (GenAI) hold the potential to transform educational and assessment practices, while simultaneously raising critical ethical and pedagogical concerns (Corsi, 2024). This article investigates the evolving relationship between AI and edu-cation, with particular attention to the challenges and opportunities it presents. It emphasizes the urgent need to support educators in the informed, responsible, and transparent integration of AI based tools, empower-ing them to critically engage with technology in ways that uphold democratic values.