Critical AI Literacy
From Silicon Valley Exploitation to Democratic Resistance
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd
Publishing:16th Dec '26
£43.99
This title is due to be published on 16th December, and will be despatched as soon as possible.
This book advances critical AI literacy by providing educators, students, and scholars with a rigorous conceptual framework for understanding, analyzing, and teaching artificial intelligence in its social, political, and educational contexts.
Its primary objectives are threefold: first, to offer a comprehensive critical AI literacy framework that equips educators with the tools to foster analytical and reflective engagement with AI; second, to demystify AI by clarifying its technical, social, and ideological dimensions for a broad audience; and third, to provide readers with the conceptual language and contextual knowledge necessary to understand AI’s role in shaping knowledge, decision-making, and civic life. By situating AI within the broader frameworks of critical media literacy and the propaganda model, the book emphasizes the ways in which AI is not neutral but operates as a socio-technical system embedded with ideological, economic, and political forces. It fills a significant gap in scholarship by addressing the scarcity of resources that combine critical theory, pedagogy, and practical strategies for engaging with AI.
This volume empowers students and scholars of media studies, communication, journalism, education, and beyond to critically evaluate AI’s influence on society, education, and democracy, while providing educators with the means to integrate these insights into teaching, research, and civic discourse.
“From the first eye-opening revelation that AI is a term invented by Public Relations to hype and monetize the technology, to the underlying economic drivers that have shaped its design and outcomes, Nolan Higdon argues persuasively that AI is not a neutral or objective tool...Higdon understands the massive energy demands of data centers that strain global ecosystems, and he sounds the alarm for the need to turn this around and ensure that this new digital world serves humanity, and not the other way around.”
Robin Andersen, Professor Emerita of Media Studies, Fordham University, USA.
“Big Tech's assault on democracy, media, pedagogy, and even the human imagination means to disempower and disenfranchise, make people stupid and passive. Higdon's multi-form response --- analysis, field guide, handbook, polemic --- authoritatively talks back to power and lies. Indeed, each of his chapters' well-argued conclusions arrives with a viable and practical critical literacy assignment, exercise, or tool useful to building "democratic resilience..."
Andrew Tonkovich, Bibliocracy Radio.
“In Critical AI Literacy, media scholar Nolan Higdon provides necessary historical context and timely analysis around the political economy of the corporate technocratic state that culminated in our current era of 'all AI all the time.'...Higdon cuts through the hype; deconstructing and demystifying AI culture...Higdon takes the right critical approach at a crucial time when we may not be able to put the AI genie back in the Big Tech bottle, but we can still work to understand, regulate, and place ethical guardrails around its use for the public good and fight back before it’s too late. “
Mickey Huff, Distinguished Director, Park Center for Independent Media; Professor of Journalism, Roy H. Park School of Communications, Ithaca College, USA; President, Media Freedom Foundation; Executive Director, Project Censored.
“Brilliant! AI literacy is desperately needed, and Higdon provides the tools and reasoning we need. A thoroughly researched, impeccably fair, and highly readable call for AI literacy. Much-needed sanity in a world seemingly gone insane. I love this book. I learned a lot and you will too.”
Gary N. Smith, Emeritus Professor of Economics, Pomona College, USA and author of The AI Delusion.
“I’ve been waiting for this book...Higdon offers a comprehensive and richly sourced tour through a critical analysis of what AI is doing to our culture, without succumbing to doomsday hype or an unrealistic absolutist abolitionist stance. Instead, he expertly explains how critical media literacy concepts and practices can be applied to this strange new world of all AI all the time...
Bill Yousman, Professor and Director of the Media Literacy and Digital Culture graduate program, Sacred Heart University, USA.
“AI is reshaping society at extraordinary speed. This book cuts through the hype to reveal the history, power and interests shaping these technologies — and equips us to question them, challenge them and make better choices about what comes next. Essential reading for citizens of the digital age.”
Alessandra Di Lorenzo, Executive Communications Adviser, AI & Digital Literacy Expert, Former Media CEO, CCO & CMO.
ISBN: 9781041280682
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
192 pages