Artificial intelligence (AI), while being an innovative tool, operates in certain respects within boundaries defined by human intelligence, replicating established models and patterns available online. This characteristic offers an opportunity to explore new modalities for public engagement (PE) within the framework of academia’s third mission. The paper presents a reflection on how AI can enhance public participation through digital platforms and interactive tools, such as chatbots and virtual assistants, which amplify citizens’ voices, stimulate co-creation of knowledge, and foster stronger connections between academia and society. However, it is essential to adopt a critical approach that integrates AI with inclusive decision-making processes, rooted in an abductive reasoning process that is distinctly human. Such an approach must be capable of understanding the unique characteristics of the territories and communities involved, avoiding the mere reproduction of existing dynamics and distortions. The analysis adopts a descriptive methodology to map the use of AI in academic institutional communication, with a focus on Italian university websites and an assessment of the significance and impact of introducing such technological innovation.