Inequality in access to artificial intelligence technologies could increase the literacy gap
UNESCO data reveals that there are 739 million youth and adults who have not reached basic literacy levels, and states that inequalities in access to artificial intelligence tools could widen the existing gap.
According to data from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, while millions of people worldwide are not at a basic literacy level, it has been reported that inequalities in access to digitalization and artificial intelligence technologies could further deepen this inequality gulf.
Scope of International Literacy Day
September 8 is celebrated as International Literacy Day following a decision by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in 1966.
Observed for the sixtieth time this year, the day is being addressed in Mexico with the theme Literacy for People, Planet and Prosperity.
Global Literacy Rates
The rate of literate adults, which was sixty-five percent in nineteen seventy-five, has reached eighty-eight percent today.
However, despite this, approximately seven hundred thirty-nine million youth and adults worldwide are not at a basic literacy level.
Regional and Gender Distribution
Two hundred twenty-five million illiterate adults live in Sub-Saharan Africa, and three hundred forty-seven million live in South Asia.
These two regions are home to more than seventy-seven percent of the global illiterate adult population each.
Education and Situation Among Children
Women account for sixty-three percent of the illiterate adult population.
In low- and middle-income countries, four out of every ten children fail to reach the minimum proficiency level in reading skills.
Artificial Intelligence and Technological Transformation
The scope of the concept of literacy is rapidly changing with technological developments leading to digitalization, including artificial intelligence.
It is emphasized that artificial intelligence has significant potential in overcoming difficulties in education.
Access Inequality and Future Risks
It is noted that risks such as technology access inequality and policy debates could deepen the literacy gap.
It is recalled that one-third of the world does not have internet access and that only those with certain infrastructures can access the most advanced models.