AI Literacy, The AI Divide, and AI Security

In this special 30th episode of AI Ascent, Dr. Jonathan Luckett sits down with cybersecurity experts Dr. Kelly Shaw (former CISA) and Dr. Malenga Tembo (professor and CISO) for a riveting 90-minute conversation about AI's transformative impact on education and security. The panel explores how AI literacy has become the new essential skill—comparable to Microsoft Office proficiency in the 90s—while warning of an emerging "AI divide" that threatens to leave developing nations behind due to prohibitive infrastructure costs. They dive deep into the cybersecurity arms race, where AI has made phishing emails perfect and deepfakes indistinguishable from reality, forcing organizations to deploy AI-powered defenses that detect anomalies through behavioral analysis and zero-trust principles. From the erosion of objective truth in our justice systems to AI-driven real-time pricing that could soon follow you through the grocery store, this episode reveals how artificial intelligence is silently reshaping every aspect of our lives—and why we need ongoing dialogue, thoughtful guardrails, and universal AI literacy to navigate this society-changing revolution. 

For anyone curious about how AI is shaping our future, this episode offers a fascinating and accessible look into the debate. The conversation explores the dual nature of AI, examining its potential to be a savior in these fields while also considering the risks. In higher education, for instance, AI could personalize learning and unlock new research possibilities. But what are the ethical implications of using AI in the classroom? The episode promises a nuanced discussion on this topic.

Then, the conversation shifts to the high-stakes world of AI in security. From predictive policing to autonomous weapons, AI presents both the potential for a safer world and the terrifying prospect of automated conflict. The episode brings in expert perspectives to unpack whether AI is a guardian or a threat in this domain. By bringing in two friends who are experts in these fields, Dr. Luckett provides listeners with a balanced and insightful look at the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

So, is AI a weapon or a savior? This special episode of AI Ascent doesn’t offer easy answers, but it does provide a thought-provoking and engaging conversation that will leave you with a deeper understanding of the complex role AI is poised to play in our lives. If you’re looking for a clear, conversational, and compelling take on one of the most important issues of our time, this episode is a must-listen.

Listen to the full episode at https://apple.co/3J4SWlq