AI is Everywhere—AI Literacy is Not

Americans across the board agree on one thing: understanding AI matters. Younger, well-educated individuals are slightly more likely to say it is extremely important, but large majorities recognize at least a need for AI literacy. AI is everywhere, but not everyone is on equal footing. Some understand it deeply, others barely at all. The real challenge isn’t access to AI but access to the knowledge needed to engage with it meaningfully. Are we ensuring that everyone has a fair shot at mastering, shaping, and thriving alongside AI? Closing the AI divide is not only about smarter systems. It is about people who ensure that AI serves learning fairly, responsibly, and inclusively.

[Dr. Yeweon Kim is a postdoctoral researcher at the Center for Trustworthy AI at Seoul National University and a Benton Opportunity Fund Fellow. ]