AI Literacy's New Frontier: Confronting our epistemic gaps to govern the algorithmic age

Hosted by Digital Media and Culture in Southeast Asia research cluster, Faculty of Sociology and Anthropology, Thammasat University, in collaboration with Foundation for Internet and Civic Culture (Thai Netizen Network)

Unravel the complexities of AI! Join us to explore AI as a sociotechnical system, how our understanding shapes governance, and the power of frameworks and metaphors to illuminate its impact. Discuss ethical risks, our knowledge gaps, and practical approaches to AI literacy.

#NewAILiteracy #WhatWeDontKnow

Panelists

• Akarapat Charoenpanich – Data Insight Specialist, Athentic Consulting, Thailand

• Mel Sellick – PhD Researcher, College of Global Futures, Arizona State University, US

• Siti Murtiningsih – Professor of Philosophy of Education, Faculty of Philosophy at Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia

• Soraj Hongladarom – Lecturer, International Buddhist Studies College, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Thailand

Moderator

• Darika Bamrungchok – Southeast Asia Policy Analyst, Access Now

Background

While understanding the mechanics of a large language model is a valuable aspect of AI literacy for its users, it's insufficient for those shaping its future. Policymakers and regulators require an elevated form of AI literacy that delves into the complex interplay of the technology, its users, its providers, and broader society. This is what we define as the "New AI Literacy".

AI systems are complex sociotechnical entities, extending beyond mere data, algorithms, and technical infrastructure. They are inherently shaped by values and operate within intricate social contexts. Their behavior is dynamic, evolving through interactions with both humans and other sociotechnical systems. Understanding these multifaceted systems necessitates suitable frameworks, metaphors, and approaches, not only for everyday users but also for policymakers tasked with their governance. Our current understanding of these complex dynamics often lags behind the rapid advancements in sociotechnical AI systems, creating epistemic gaps that hinder effective and responsible governance.

This interactive session will explore the existing knowledge gaps and discuss frameworks for understanding sociotechnical AI systems from different disciplines.

Objectives

1. To foster a deeper understanding of AI and connected digital platforms as sociotechnical systems among participants.

2. To highlight the existing epistemic gaps in comprehending AI's mechanics and their consequences for governance.

3. To explore relevant frameworks, metaphors, and lenses for analyzing AI and its societal impact.

4. To examine the role of educators and civil society in promoting AI literacy within this sociotechnical context.

5. To facilitate knowledge exchange on theoretical frameworks, including relevant taxonomy and ontology, and practical pedagogical approaches to AI literacy, drawing from both Thai and international experiences.

Key Issues

1. What frameworks or metaphors are most effective for understanding AI and connected digital platforms as complex sociotechnical systems?

2. How do our current epistemic limitations regarding AI impact the development and implementation of effective governance mechanisms?

3. What are the key ethical and societal risks arising from these epistemic gaps, particularly concerning bias, exclusion, and the misuse of sensitive data?

4. What role can education and public awareness initiatives play in bridging these epistemic gaps and fostering responsible AI adoption?

5. How can civil society organizations contribute to enhancing AI literacy and promoting a more critical understanding of these technologies?

6. What lessons can be learned from different countries' approaches to AI literacy and governance, and how can regional collaboration be strengthened in this area?

Expected Outcomes

1. Participants will understand AI and connected digital platforms as sociotechnical systems, including their ethical and governance challenges due to limited understanding of their mechanics.

2. Participants will be more aware of the epistemic gaps in understanding AI mechanics and their governance implications.

3. Participants will exchange knowledge on analyzing AI's societal impact, relevant frameworks, and AI literacy pedagogy from Thai and international contexts.

4. Collaboration opportunities will be identified among stakeholders to bridge epistemic gaps and foster responsible AI adoption.

Expected Outputs

1. Meeting Summary Report: key discussion points on understanding AI, epistemic limitations' impact on governance, ethical/societal risks, the role of education/civil society, international lessons, recommendations, and next steps.

2. Policy Brief/Technical Note: ethical and governance considerations for Thailand and the region, informed by discussions on bridging epistemic gaps and responsible AI adoption.

Anticipated Participant Groups

• Educators

• Researchers and academics

• Civil society advocates

• Education policymakers

• Policy implementers

• General public

Panelist/Moderator Bios

• Dr. Akarapat Charoenpanich อัครพัชร์ เจริญพานิช is an information systems scholar and Data Insight Specialist at Athentic Consulting, known for his expertise in how digital platforms organize information. His advanced degrees include a PhD focusing on the structure and user behavior of social media platforms. He has a strong background in economics, having previously served as a Senior Economist at Siam Commercial Bank and at the Bank of Thailand. Beyond his academic and consulting work, he's also a regular columnist, with his recent writing increasingly exploring the impacts and implications of AI.

• Ms. Mel Sellick is an applied psychologist and PhD researcher in the College of Global Futures at ASU specializing in human-AI interaction. She advises global organizations on the responsible integration of AI systems, with expertise in cognitive sovereignty and digital psychological safety. She developed the Identity Resilience and Integration Score (IRIS), advancing as a global standard through IEEE. An educator in intercultural communications and recognized futurist, she brings innovative perspectives to international AI governance discussions. She serves on Harvard's AI for Human Flourishing Council and collaborates with Oxford's AI in Education Hub. Her pioneering work on cognitive and psychological dimensions of human-AI relationships informs ethical frameworks that safeguard human agency in an increasingly AI-mediated world.

• Prof. Dr. Siti Murtiningsih is Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy at Universitas Gadjah Mada. Her work has explored the ethics of artificial intelligence in education, leading to her appointment as a consultant for UNESCO Jakarta Office. She currently serves as a member of the Yogyakarta Education Council (2022–2027). Since 2024, she has held an appointment as Professor of Philosophy of Education. Her inaugural speech in this role emphasized that machines should serve as collaborators in education, not as the primary subjects.

• Prof. Dr. Soraj Hongladarom โสรัจจ์ หงส์ลดารมภ์ is a philosopher and ethicist. His research encompasses philosophy of language and non-western perspectives on the ethics of science and technology. He is a principal investigator for the Feminist AI Southeast Asian Hub and previously served as the Director of the Center for Science, Technology, and Society at Chulalongkorn University. As the author of "The Ethics of AI and Robotics: A Buddhist Viewpoint," he contributes to global AI governance discussions and analyzes Thailand's AI ethics guidelines. He is currently a lecturer at the International Buddhist Studies College.

• Ms. Darika Bamrungchok ดาริกา บำรุงโชค is a leading digital rights advocate and community organizer in Southeast Asia. Currently a Southeast Asia Policy Analyst at Access Now, she focuses on safeguarding digital rights and civil liberties, combating digital repression, and promoting digital well-being. With a background as a journalist, she brings a unique perspective to her work. She previously served as the Program Manager and Digital Security Trainer for Thai Netizen Network and is an expert in digital security and civil society resilience, contributing to analyses of internet freedom and censorship in the region.

Presentation Files

• Akarapat Charoenpanich

• Mel Sellick

• Siti Murtiningsih