In the first funding phase, project B03 investigated how lay users make sense of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their everyday lives. Drawing on qualitative data from 63 participants from Germany and the UK, the project analysed everyday experiences with AI technologies through surveys, digital diaries, interviews, and group discussions.

The research highlights how individual context and prior knowledge shape when and why people feel explanations of AI are necessary. Users often rely on non-technical knowledge to interpret AI, and political and social considerations often play a greater role than technical aspects.

The project concludes that explainable AI (XAI) research must move beyond purely technical solutions to better understand the social processes through which people interpret and evaluate AI systems.

Research areas: Sociology, Media studies

Project duration: 07/2021 - 12/2025