Making Sense of AI: The Important Role of Education and Communication

The big developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) generated a mixture of fascination and apprehension, echoing historical responses to unknown phenomena. Like how medieval European societies interpreted certain natural events and instruments as magical, AI is currently perceived by many as a “black box,” blurring the lines between advanced technology and mystical force. This phenomenon fosters misconceptions and uncertainties about AI’s actual mechanisms, benefits, and risks. Consequently, it underscores the urgent need for science communicators and science museums to adopt an active role in enhancing the general public’s AI literacy and in debunking some of its enigmatic traits.

By drawing parallels with the Middle Ages—when objects such as mirrors and magnetite were often attributed supernatural capabilities—modern AI tools LLMs or image and video generators are frequently viewed as possessing a “magical” principle. The public’s limited grasp of how AI processes inputs and produces outputs further intensifies this impression. The lack of transparency (or “black box” effect) in deep learning algorithms, combined with the ambiguity of human language, has been shown to fuel both wonder and anxiety.

Science museums and communicators should have an active role by offering educational programs that demystify AI through different demographic and social activities as well as promoting the public debate. These initiatives could clarify AI’s underlying mathematical and computational principles, highlight practical examples of AI-driven applications, and examine ethical considerations surrounding its deployment. Public understanding of AI’s capabilities and limitations is crucial not only to temper undue fears but also to encourage informed engagement with emerging technologies.