Enhancing Public AI Literacy through Music
When it comes to AI and music, much focus these days is on AI-generated songs. JKU’s Robopsychology Lab takes a different approach by letting human artists create songs about AI. Why? Research shows that many people feel poorly informed about AI. At the same time, everyone likes music. To promote AI literacy among diverse target groups, the lab thus collaborates with top musicians to produce engaging tracks—from hip-hop to folk—that educate listeners about the technical basics and societal implications of AI.
It’s a paradox: although AI is hyped in the media, many people claim to know little about it. Yet AI concerns us all! Promoting public AI literacy is thus crucial for broader participation in shaping our AI-driven future. For several years, the LIT Robopsychology Lab has been exploring new creative ways to share knowledge of AI. In 2023, this led to A Liadl, ans üwa KI, a humorous song explaining AI in Austrian dialect.
The Lab’s empirical research has supported the effectiveness of using music to enhance AI literacy. The repertoire is therefore expanded for this year’s Ars Electronica to include two new pieces: a hiphop track about environmental impacts of AI and a “Gstanzl” series about gender stereotypes and the lack of diversity in AI.
All three pieces are performed live at Ars Electronica Festival, including in the event G’sungen, g’rappt & g’stanzlt: Was Sie schon immer über KI wissen sollten, where the topics of the songs are scientifically contextualized through short talks by experts.
LIT Robopsychology Lab (AT)
The LIT Robopsychology Lab at JKU Linz combines theories and methods from psychology with current issues in human interaction with AI and robotics. Under the direction of Prof. Martina Mara, research topics include public understanding of AI, anthropomorphism, trust in automation, and psychological effects of exoskeletons. Emphasizing transdisciplinarity, science communication, and art-science collaborations, the lab aims to advance participatory approaches to academic research.
Credits
LIT Robopsychology Lab: Martina Mara, Kathrin Meyer, Sebastian Lang, Lara Bauer
Artists participating: Blonder Engel, Yasmo, Flip, Dominika Meindl, Lukas Wögerer, and others
This project is supported by the state of Upper Austria.
