AI Literacy Initiative

Understanding AI Through the Lens of Media Literacy

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how information is created, shared, and understood. As debates about AI’s role continue to evolve, one thing remains clear: AI literacy is media literacy. The skills needed to question sources, understand systems, analyze influence, and participate responsibly in digital spaces are the same skills needed to engage with AI tools and their outputs.

NAMLE’s AI Literacy Initiative explores this growing intersection—grounded in core media literacy fundamentals and informed by years of work with educators, youth, industry partners, and researchers. This work is also shaped by insights from NAMLE’s AI Literacy Summit and ongoing conversations across the media and technology fields.

Why AI Literacy Matters

AI now influences everything from the information young people encounter online to the tools used in classrooms, workplaces, and creative spaces. As these technologies evolve, so does the urgency to help students, families, and educators understand how AI shapes the information ecosystem.

Media literacy offers the foundation for that understanding. It equips people with the critical thinking skills needed to navigate issues such as misinformation, digital well-being, privacy, content authenticity, algorithmic influence, and civic participation. By strengthening these skills, we prepare learners to engage with AI responsibly, thoughtfully, and with confidence.

Looking Ahead

As AI continues to transform media, education, and public life, NAMLE is committed to ensuring that all people—especially educators and young people—have access to the media literacy skills needed to navigate emerging technologies. This page will continue to grow as NAMLE expands its work, partnerships, and guidance at the intersection of AI and media literacy.