Artificial Intelligence in Participatory Environments: Technologies, Ethics, and Literacy Aspects

More than 60 years since Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies and approaches were initially envisaged, it is safe to say that in the last 4-5 years, we have, in practical terms, finally entered the era of AI. As the advanced capabilities of generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) and large language models (LLMs) impact varied academic and industrial sectors, this Special Issue Reprint, "Artificial Intelligence in Participatory Environments: Technologies, Ethics and Literacy Aspects", offers a critical framework for understanding the new evolving landscape in this field. Focusing on participatory environments, these nineteen multidisciplinary studies explore how applications based on machine learning (ML) and natural language processing (NLP) reshape workflows and facilitate shifts in living, learning and working. Beyond these significant benefits, the Special Issue highlights emerging challenges and threats that require precise and responsible approaches. Issues of transparency, fairness, accuracy, and data privacy necessitate the development of resilient regulatory and ethical frameworks. To ensure the trustworthy implementation of AI tools and systems, it is essential to prioritize literacy for all involved actors, empowering developers, practitioners, and end-users to achieve the necessary balance between rapid technological evolution and human oversight.