The Vital Role of Data and Media Literacy in the AI Age (future proofing)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) now steers the undercurrent of our daily routines (like it our not) subtly reshaping everything from corporate strategy to the way we consume media and connect with one another. As AI becomes increasingly pervasive, the need for a comprehensive understanding of two crucial areas — data literacy and media literacy — becomes paramount. These skills are indispensable as they enable us to interpret vast streams of data and critically evaluate the diverse media platforms that shape our perceptions and influence our choices. Together, they equip us to adeptly navigate an increasingly AI-driven world, making knowledgeable decisions and understanding the sophisticated technologies that permeate our daily lives.
Media literacy encompasses the skills required to access, analyze, create, and critically evaluate media. It has never been more critical than in today’s era, where media influences nearly every aspect of our lives. Understanding media literacy helps individuals make sense of the information that flows through countless channels, enabling them to discern fact from fiction and understand the underlying messages being conveyed. The evolution of media literacy education reflects its growing importance. As Renee Hobbs, founder of the Media Education Lab, stated in 2023: “With the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT, media literacy is more essential than ever to help people analyze the credibility and trustworthiness of information they encounter online.” [1]
Initially sparked by the rise of mass media in the 20th century, the need for media literacy became evident as radio, television, and newspapers shaped public opinion and culture on a large scale. The digital revolution further transformed media from static, one-way communication into a dynamic, interactive medium. The internet, social media, and smartphones have revolutionized how we consume and interact with media, not only multiplying the volume of information available but also the speed at which it spreads, increasing the complexity of the media landscape.
Significant figures such as Marshall McLuhan and Neil Postman have profoundly impacted our understanding of media literacy. McLuhan’s assertion that “the medium is the message” suggests that the form of a medium embeds itself in the message, influencing how the message is perceived. Postman critiqued how media shapes societal discourse and impacts cultural development, emphasizing the importance of understanding the capabilities and biases of different media forms to grasp their effects on society. In an era dominated by AI-driven platforms, such as algorithm-based news feeds and tailored content recommendations, media literacy is more vital than ever. These technologies not only filter and shape the information we receive but also tailor it to individual preferences, often at the expense of a broader perspective. As the Reuters Institute reported in early 2024, “AI-powered misinformation surged during the 2023 elections, with deepfake videos and images being weaponized for political gain across multiple countries.” [2]. Understanding the mechanisms behind these processes is crucial to navigating the modern media landscape effectively.
Data literacy, similarly, is the ability to read, understand, create, and communicate data as information. Much like reading ability in general, data literacy is essential for navigating environments dominated by big data and AI. It empowers individuals and organizations to make decisions based on empirical evidence, optimizing outcomes and revealing new opportunities. At its core, AI operates on data, with the quality, quantity, and relevance of this data directly influencing AI efficiency and effectiveness. Poor data quality can severely hamper an AI system’s ability to perform accurately and reliably, highlighting the adage “garbage in, garbage out.” A 2023 Gartner report emphasized, “Poor data literacy is the biggest bottleneck to AI adoption in the enterprise.” [3] Data literacy ensures that stakeholders are aware of the need for high-quality data and understand how to assess and improve it.
In today’s economy, data is often described as the new oil. As Hilary Mason, data scientist and founder of Fast Forward Labs, stated: “The core advantage of data is that it tells you something about the world that you didn’t know before.” [4] Companies that can effectively gather, analyze, and utilize data can unlock significant value, creating new revenue streams and competitive advantages. Businesses that embrace data-driven decision-making can outperform their less informed peers, and data literacy enables companies to harness the power of their data, applying insights gleaned from analytics to refine strategies and operations. As more organizations adopt data-driven strategies, the ability for technical and non-technical teams to communicate effectively becomes crucial. Data literacy bridges this gap, enabling cohesive understanding and collaboration across departments.
The intersection of data literacy and media literacy is particularly relevant for consumers in the age of AI. The World Economic Forum cautioned in 2024 in their report, ‘The Promise and Peril of Generative AI’, “The rise of generative AI creates new risks for privacy and the spread of misinformation that require improved data and media literacy skills.” [5] Personal data collection and use are pervasive, fueling AI algorithms that tailor media content and advertisements to individual preferences. This personalization enhances online experiences but also raises significant privacy concerns. AI-driven content recommendation systems, like those on Netflix and YouTube, analyze viewing habits to suggest content, potentially creating echo chambers. The potential for AI-generated misinformation, including fake news and deepfakes, necessitates a keen eye for authenticity and a critical mindset towards content consumption. With a solid foundation in data literacy, consumers can make more informed choices about when and how to share their personal information, weighing the benefits against potential privacy risks. Media literacy empowers consumers to critically assess AI-driven content, maintaining a balanced perspective and guarding against manipulation.
As AI technologies become more sophisticated and pervasive, promoting data and media literacy education for both businesses and consumers becomes increasingly important. In 2023, the U.S. state of Illinois passed a law requiring media literacy education from kindergarten through 12th grade to help students “navigate the digital world and identify misinformation.” [6] These programs not only foster a healthier interaction with digital media but also contribute to a more informed public capable of making decisions that reflect their best interests. Embracing perspectives from media ecology and media archaeology helps us appreciate the complexity of our current media landscape and the roles data and media literacy play within it. By fostering these literacies, we empower ourselves and future generations to navigate the AI transformation with confidence and critical insight, acting more ethically, thoughtfully, and effectively in a world where digital and media landscapes are constantly evolving. Understanding and engaging with these literacies allow us to fully appreciate and critically examine the rapid technological changes impacting our society.
The intertwined nature of data literacy and media literacy is foundational in the AI era. These literacies are not merely academic subjects but essential skills for the modern age, enabling individuals and organizations to navigate the complexities of AI with ethical responsibility and intellectual rigor. As we continue to face an increasing array of AI-driven decisions in both the public and private spheres, the cultivation of these skills becomes more critical than ever. By investing in data and media literacy education, we prepare ourselves not only to cope with but to thrive in the evolving digital landscape, making knowledgeable decisions that harness the potential of AI while safeguarding our personal autonomy and societal values.
Embracing this dual literacy approach will ensure that as technology advances, we can maintain some sense of control over the digital platforms and media that pervade our lives.
[1] Hobbs, R. (2023). Media Literacy in the Age of AI. Keynote at NAMLE Conference.
[2] Reuters Institute (2024) Journalism, Media and Technology Trends and Predictions 2024.
[3] Gartner (2023) Top Data and Analytics Trends for 2023.
[4] Mason, H. (2023) Data for Good Summit keynote.
[5] World Economic Forum (2024) The Promise and Peril of Generative AI.
[6] Illinois General Assembly (2023) HB 3261 Media Literacy Education Act.
