The article emphasizes the importance of addressing tech illiteracy to tackle AI illiteracy, as AI reshapes various sectors like healthcare and finance. It suggests that governments, businesses, and educational institutions should offer digital courses, ensure access to basic technology, provide comprehensible explanations of AI, and prioritize AI adoption policies that support understanding and ethical use of the technology. The author concludes by stating that technology should be accessible to all and that the future of technology is not just about advancement but also about bridging the existing gaps.
Key takeaways:
- According to Eurostat, 46% of people in the EU aged 16 to 74 didn't have basic overall digital skills in 2021, and a 2018 United States Department of Education report showed that 23% of adults in the OECD countries were not digitally literate.
- AI illiteracy is a growing issue, with many people unfamiliar with how AI works, what it can do or even what it is. This lack of understanding can lead to difficulties in navigating a world increasingly shaped by AI.
- Addressing tech illiteracy is crucial not just for its own sake, but also for tackling AI illiteracy. Without a solid grounding in digital basics, the world of AI becomes even more confusing.
- Efforts to address tech illiteracy should go beyond offering digital courses and access to technological tools. They should also ensure every individual, especially those from underprivileged communities, has access to basic technology and devices. Furthermore, tech companies and educational institutions should offer transparent and easily comprehensible explanations of AI.