The shift we should be measuring
December 2025
Inclusive AI: Developing AI literacy with people who have no or low digital skills
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the online world. Generative AI has brought AI into everyday conversations, but it has also highlighted a widening gap. For many people with low or no digital skills, AI feels distant, confusing or intimidating. At Good Things Foundation, we believe this is a moment to act. We want to ensure no one is left behind as AI adoption continues to grow.
As Digital Services Manager, I spend a lot of time listening to what people need and understanding where confidence breaks down. My work focuses on how we can guide people through this shift in a way that feels safe, practical and empowering.
AI is already influencing our online experiences. It shapes search results, supports customer service, filters content and powers tools people rely on without realising it. When someone doesn’t understand what AI is or how it works, these interactions can feel uncertain. Without the right support, uncertainty becomes exclusion.
AI literacy is now a core part of digital inclusion. People need space to understand what AI does, where it shows up, and how it can benefit rather than overwhelm them. That understanding is the foundation of confidence.
Through our research, we heard a clear message: people need straightforward explanations. They want to know what AI is, the risks and considerations around use and how to judge information generated by AI. Many feel unsure about information validity or worry that they may do something wrong.
In every conversation, a practical, hands-on approach made a difference. When people could see an example, try a simple task or explore a tool without pressure, barriers were quickly reduced. Confidence grows fastest when learning feels relevant and personal.
These insights have informed how we design our products and services. Learn My Way and the AI Gateway are designed to give people an accessible introduction to basic digital skills and AI at their own pace. We prioritise plain language, short learning steps and content that reflects real-life situations.
Our goal is to make AI understandable, and develop people’s judgement to use it in ways that are useful and safe. By breaking down concepts and offering guided experiences, we help people to improve their confidence and see how AI could support their everyday tasks.
The role of our network
Trusted faces in locally based community organisations remain essential. They are the people creating safe spaces for learning and offering reassurance when things feel unfamiliar. We are working closely with partners in the National Digital Inclusion Network across the UK to equip them with the knowledge and tools needed to support their learners effectively.
By empowering our network, we strengthen the support system people rely on as they build their digital and AI confidence and skills.
Inclusive approaches to AI Literacy is not just an aspiration. It is a requirement for a fair digital future. If we embed support now, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to safely engage in an AI powered online world. This commitment sits at the heart of our work at Good Things Foundation, and it will continue to guide how we shape our learning offer for the months ahead.
If you want to dive deeper into these insights, I recently explored this topic during AI Week 2025. You can watch the full session here
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