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Code or Be Controlled: Why AI Literacy Will Define the New Class Divide
“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” — Alvin Toffler
Throughout history, access to knowledge has shaped power structures. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century shattered the monopoly of the Church over knowledge. Centuries later, the rise of the internet divided the world into digital natives and digital outsiders. Now, artificial intelligence (AI) is rewriting the rules once again, and the question is stark: Will you control AI, or will AI control you?
Today, AI determines what news you see, what jobs you get recommended, and even how financial systems assess your creditworthiness. Yet, the average person has little understanding of how these systems work. This ignorance isn’t just dangerous; it’s creating a new class divide.
A Historic Parallel: From Printing Press to AI
Imagine living in 1500. Books were expensive, education was scarce, and only a select few had access to knowledge. Then came Gutenberg’s printing press. Suddenly, literacy became a necessity, and those who could read gained immense power — access to ideas, political discourse, and economic opportunities.
