A new AI literacy class in Newark, New Jersey, aimed at high school seniors, encourages students to critically engage with technology rather than passively consume content. This class includes discussions on how AI influences their decisions, with students comparing moments of active versus passive engagement with social media and search engines. A thought-provoking slide questions whether they are in control of technology or if technology is controlling them.

In-class discussions featured insights from students like Adrian Farrell, who expressed empowerment from using a chatbot to verify his math homework, highlighting a proactive use of AI. Conversely, Brianna Perez mentioned a more passive experience with Spotify's AI DJ feature, illustrating different ways students interact with technology. Such discussions reflect a vital aspect of digital literacy education, wherein students learn to navigate the complexities of AI in their daily lives.

As U.S. schools strive to integrate AI literacy into curriculums, the aim is not only to inform students about technology but also to foster critical thinking around its implications. The initiative is becoming increasingly important as AI technologies permeate various aspects of life, emphasizing the necessity for students to maintain agency over their engagement with these tools.