Metacognitive AI literacy: findings from an interactive AI fair

Abstract Public understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) is essential for navigating the increasingly significant impacts of AI on society. Existing research provides guidance, but more work is needed to develop effective strategies for promoting AI literacy. The authors are part of a multidisciplinary team that organized an “Interactive AI Fair” at a large university. The authors conducted multi-method research during and after the Fair, including ethnographic observation, semi-structured intercept interviews, and a feedback survey. We found that a majority of Fair attendees used AI programs on a daily basis, and that most were interested in learning about the social and cultural impacts of AI. Moreover, we found that many attendees sought information about what we describe as the “metacognitive” effects of AI—i.e., the impact of using AI on thought processes, belief formation, knowledge production, reasoning, and interpersonal communication. Our findings suggest that efforts to promote AI literacy should address these metacognitive effects of AI.