Self-directed lifelong education and learning in times of generative AI

In this editorial, we discuss how the rise in availability and capabilities of generative AI has opened the door to several new important areas for further research in respect of how generative AI has the potential to influence self-directed learning processes; thus, a key concern for adult education and learning. This editorial follows on from a previous editorial that outlined that a key research direction in lifelong education and learning is the careful consideration of the potential opportunity presented by chatbots and generative AI tools but concomitantly there is also a need for a detailed consideration of the limitations and risks of using these tools (Milana et al., 2024).