“Supercharged by AI” is a new creative intervention produced by Tactical Tech and DensityDesign Lab at Politecnico di Milano, in collaboration with IFLA.

From chatbots to deepfakes, AI-generated content is becoming increasingly common online. New AI tools make it easier, faster and cheaper to generate text, images, videos, and more. In turn, the harms that have always existed online – scams, harassment, polarization and bias – are now being “Supercharged” by AI.

AI tools are being used to fabricate news, imitate reality, and shape public opinions and behaviors in ways that can be almost impossible to detect. AI models, trained on datasets that reflect their creators’ biases, reinforce stereotypes and lead to consequences that stretch beyond the digital sphere. But how can we stay informed and aware about this rapidly-changing technology?

“Supercharged by AI” is an easy-to-produce, large-scale display that makes complex issues related to AI more tangible for visitors. The exhibition is also complemented by the Data Detox Kit’s new ‘Essential Guide to AI’, which provides practical tips to react when we are confronted with these issues in our daily online lives.

Libraries, as trusted community spaces, play a crucial role in fostering digital literacy with these types of initiatives and they seek to empower their local communities ensuring that people from all ages stay informed, aware and prepared to participate in the rapidly evolving digital landscape that we live in today.

The network of libraries that will be actively implementing this initiative across 10 European countries include: The National and University Library in Zagreb, the Estonian Librarians Association, the Association of Greek Librarians and Information Scientists (AGLIS), the Czech National Library, Associazione Italiana Biblioteche, Rede de Bibliotecas Escolares (RBE), Biblioteca Paterna del Campo, the International Association of University Libraries (IATUL)/Sheffield University, the National Association of Public Librarians and Libraries in Romania (ANBPR) and the Ukrainian Library Association (ULA).