🌐 Understanding the Domains of AI Literacy

AI literacy goes far beyond simply knowing what artificial intelligence is. It’s a holistic set of knowledge, skills, and attitudes that shape how people interact with AI in mindful, ethical, and emotionally aware ways. Recent research (Koch et al., 2024) identifies several interconnected domains that together define what it means to be “AI-literate.”

1. Applying AI

The ability to operate and communicate effectively with AI tools in everyday life. This includes writing prompts, interpreting AI responses, and using AI to support meaningful, goal-driven tasks.

2. Understanding AI

Having core knowledge of how AI works—its definitions, functions, strengths, and limitations. This includes recognizing both the advantages and disadvantages of AI in society and in one’s professional field.

3. Detecting AI

The ability to recognize when AI is present or influencing a system, such as identifying AI-based applications, distinguishing AI-generated content, or noticing when online communication is automated rather than human.

4.Creating AI

The ability to design or program AI applications or conceptualize new uses for AI systems. While this may involve technical skills, it also includes creatively imagining new ways AI can solve problems or improve processes.

5. AI Self-Efficacy

A sense of confidence and adaptability when learning about or working with AI. This reflects problem-solving ability, willingness to explore new tools, and persistence when faced with AI-related challenges.

6. AI Self-Competency & Ethics (an emerging and under-recognized domain)

The ability to manage one’s own information processing, emotions, and influence when engaging with AI. This includes emotional regulation, critical reflection, and awareness of persuasion—recognizing when AI may be shaping one’s thoughts, feelings, or decisions.