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Why We Need Double Literacy to Life in a Hybrid World
The air is thick with excitement and concern as we delve into the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Recently, major players like OpenAI and Google have taken a massive step towards AI literacy in schools and universities, acknowledging that the workforce must grasp these powerful tools early on. However, this singular focus on AI literacy overlooks a profound truth: our competitive edge will not originate from understanding AI alone. Rather, it stems from developing double literacy – a fundamental proficiency in both artificial and human capabilities.
Our collective fascination with technology has inadvertently relegated crucial human capacities to the backburner, which is why we must prioritize cultivating an equally intentional cultivation of human literacy. The current drive for AI literacy serves as a valuable first step but must be accompanied by an equal emphasis on nurturing human intelligence, judgment, and innovation.
Without dual mastery, people and organizations risk stumbling into inefficiency and even medium-term mediocrity due to the erosion of nuanced decision-making abilities, compassion, and creative spark that can only arise from our distinctively human nature. Moreover, we must not underestimate the importance of AI’s role in amplifying our humanity, rather than diminishing it.
To achieve this synergy, Double Literacy necessitates two interconnected pillars: Algorithmic Literacy – an essential comprehension of how AI operates, its inherent biases, limitations, and optimal applications. It involves recognizing when AI systems are confident but incorrect, data-skewed or requiring human intuition over algorithmic calculation. This level of understanding is critical for effective collaboration and responsible deployment.
Human Literacy represents the commitment to continuous development and safeguarding of our unique human faculties – sharpened critical thinking, strengthened empathy, elevated ethical reasoning, fostered creativity and honed ability to pose open-ended questions that AI systems cannot generate. It encompasses holistic self-awareness, social understanding and nuanced moral discernment.
Source: www.forbes.com
