Machine learning and artificial intelligence have spread throughout our lives to the point where most of us use them, often without even noticing. Whenever we search the internet, when phones predict what you’ll type next, when online ads are tailored to your interests – it’s all powered by machine learning.
Many people use AI chatbots as something to bounce ideas off, tweak things they've written, or write things from scratch. It can even act as a sort of personal assistant, reading and summarising emails and helping make daily decisions.
That last point is where numeracy is really important. Numeracy is ultimately about making better, more informed decisions: whether around our finances or daily logistics, forming our opinions of events in the news, or making decisions at the ballot box (can all the numbers in political campaigns be trusted?)
So, if we’re increasingly relying on AI to help us make our decisions does that mean we don’t need numeracy? For example, can ChatGPT compare prices for us and reliably give us the best option?
Use numeracy to check your AI's output
In the same way that we encourage you to use a calculator if it helps you get the right answer, we encourage adults to use all the tools at their disposal to get the best answer to their questions. Nowadays that might include using a chatbot or AI-powered app (bearing in mind that some AI powered apps are more useful than others). But there are factors to consider, and it's important to not simply accept the answers given.
With a calculator, if we make a mistake with the numbers we put in, numeracy helps us spot the mistake and go over the figures. Similarly, AI is only as good as its input and sometimes the data going in – sourced from across the internet – isn’t 100% perfect. This means we should always be empowered with the tools to estimate, think for ourselves, and know when something doesn’t quite seem right. As powerful as AI is, it won’t ever understand you and your situation as well as you do. It may help you find the best deal, but it may not know whether it’s worth the price for you and your situation.
Hopefully AI will help us make better, more informed decisions, but with increasing volumes of information – both real and fabricated – vying for our attention and the attention of AIs themselves, it’s probably more important than ever to be able to think critically. Numeracy will always be a big part of that.
What does AI have to say about this?
Even Google Gemini agrees – this is its summary of why we still need maths in a world powered by AI:
Yes, math is still essential in daily life, even with the prevalence of machines and calculators. While machines handle complex computations, a basic understanding of math is crucial for everyday tasks, decision-making, and navigating the world around us.
Here's why:
- Everyday Applications:
Many daily tasks, like cooking (using proportions and ratios), managing finances (understanding budgets and loans), and understanding travel distances, require basic mathematical skills. - Problem-Solving:
Math provides a framework for logical thinking and problem-solving, which is useful in various situations beyond calculations. - Beyond the Basics:
While machines handle complex calculations, understanding the concepts behind them (like algorithms and statistical modeling) is vital in fields like computer science, engineering, and data analysis. - Critical Thinking:
A strong foundation in math enhances critical thinking and analytical skills, which are valuable in all aspects of life. - Career Advancement:
Many jobs require mathematical knowledge, and even in roles that don't directly involve calculations, strong mathematical skills can be a significant advantage.
In essence, while machines can perform calculations, a solid grasp of math is still fundamental for navigating daily life, making informed decisions, and advancing in various fields.
Ironic to defer to AI here, but to be fair that’s pretty good.
Finally, it's worth making the point that if you don't use it, you lose it when it comes to our knowledge and skills.
If we ask AI to do the work too often we might forget how to do it ourselves and that makes us vulnerable. So, by all means empower yourself with AI, but also empower yourself with the skills to think critically and know what to do if you're caught needing to make a numerical decision without your favourite chat-bot.
If you’d like to strengthen your own maths skills one of the best places to start is the National Numeracy Challenge, and you can ask the AI of your choice if you don’t believe us!
