Can AI increase the rift between educated investigative people and those with low literacy ?

Does artificial intelligence deepen divides between well-educated investigators and populations with limited literacy? Beyond the hype, the core question asks whether AI tools—when unevenly accessible—risk entrenching rather than bridging existing educational gaps. The answer hinges on how society equips or overlooks different users as these technologies spread.

Background

Studies indicate that AI itself does not directly widen literacy or education gaps; rather, the disparity arises from unequal access to advanced tools and the skills to use them. Individuals with higher education and digital literacy tend to benefit more from AI, reinforcing existing inequalities when adoption is uneven (Enriched, 2026). Research shows that strong foundational skills improve users’ ability to leverage AI for learning, productivity, and career growth, while those with lower literacy face barriers to engagement (Enriched, 2026). The risk is not AI causing the gap, but its potential to exacerbate pre-existing disparities in opportunity and access if unaddressed (Enriched, 2026). Experts emphasize that without intentional policy and education initiatives, the digital divide could deepen, leaving lower-literate populations further behind (Enriched, 2026). Calls for democratizing AI literacy and equitable technology access highlight the need for inclusive design and support systems to prevent unintended consequences (Enriched, 2026).