From Digital Natives to AI Natives: Emerging Competencies and Media and Information Literacy in Higher Education

The arrival of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the informational and epistemic landscapes of higher education institutions. This study examines the skills that students believe they have developed through AI use and considers the media and information literacy (MIL) skills required for its ethical and critical application. A total of 3120 responses from students at two Latin American universities were analyzed using the ALCESTE method, supported by IRAMUTEQ software 0.7 alpha 2 2020. The analysis identified four competencies: assisted writing, enhanced self-management of learning, faster academic output, and methodological meta-reflection. The findings suggest that although students note improvements in performance, the educational value of these skills depends on critical engagement. Risks such as dependence, misinformation, and loss of agency were recognized. In response, four key MIL-AI competencies are proposed: critical discernment, academic integrity, cognitive independence, and qualitative judgment. The conclusion emphasizes that universities must actively serve as ethical laboratories for the responsible use of AI, fostering students who can navigate technology with awareness and judgment.