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Why 'AI literacy' is the biggest challenge since the internet began

ABC News

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Details

Date Published
4 Mar 2024
Priority Score
3
Australian
Yes
Created
4 Mar 2026, 02:00 am

Authors (1)

Description

The way we interact with digital spaces has changed dramatically since the inception of the internet. With the spread of artificial intelligence, the challenge of fully understanding this new digital landscape — the platforms, the politics, the problems — is a big one.  Aiming to be "AI literate" sounds like a reasonable goal, but is a concept like literacy even enough to cover something as vast and fast moving as AI? And if we don't understand it, how are we going to equip our kids to manage this brave new world they're entering?

Summary

This radio segment explores the concept of "AI literacy" and questions whether it is a sufficient framework for understanding the pervasive and rapidly evolving nature of artificial intelligence. It highlights the profound impact of AI on digital interaction, drawing parallels to the initial challenges posed by the internet. Furthermore, the discussion touches upon the critical need to equip future generations with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate an AI-driven world, emphasizing the potential difficulties in defining and achieving true AI literacy. The conversation features insights from an academic and an advocate for AI education, underscoring the significance of this issue for Australian society.

Body

The way we interact with digital spaces has changed dramatically since the inception of the internet.With the spread of artificial intelligence, the challenge of fully understanding this new digital landscape — the platforms, the politics, the problems — is a big one. Aiming to be "AI literate" sounds like a reasonable goal, but is a concept like literacy even enough to cover something as vast and fast moving as AI?And if we don't understand it, how are we going to equip our kids to manage this brave new world they're entering?Guests:Luci Pangrazio, associate professor at Deakin University and chief investigator at the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Digital ChildNatasha Banks, founder of Day of AI AustraliaCreditsGrace Pashley, ProducerImage DetailsWhat does it mean to be AI literate? (Getty Images: Andriy Onufriyenko)Program:More from Life MattersDigital Life, Internet Culture Appears In What happened to O Week and could art save your life?Duration: 54 minutes 22 seconds54m 3 itemsIn this episode1 of 3Has online learning sucked the life out of university?Duration: 21 minutes 46 seconds21m 2 of 3A scientist and Antarctic artist on how art saves livesDuration: 16 minutes 12 seconds16m 3 of 3PlayingWhy 'AI literacy' is the biggest challenge since the internet beganDuration: 11 minutes 31 seconds11m