By Kerry Gallagher
Research from Boston Children’s Digital Wellness Lab Survey shows that “Teens report a sense of optimism about AI’s potential to improve their learning, creativity, and productivity, but they are still learning how to balance its benefits with concerns.” In fact, 68% of teens are already thinking about whether Generative AI is being used by scammers online. You can discuss this list of AI-powered scams with your teens to build your family’s awareness:
- Fake Influencers and Deepfakes: Scammers create realistic deepfake videos and accounts of celebrities or influencers to promote fake products or services. These convincing representations can mislead teens into making purchases or sharing sensitive information.
- Phishing Chatbots and Impersonation: AI-powered chatbots can engage teens in conversation, mimicking friends or family members. These interactions are often designed to extract personal information, tricking young users into divulging passwords or financial details.
- Synthetic Media in Gaming: On gaming platforms, scammers generate fake accounts or characters, creating a fraudulent environment. Players may be lured into scams promising in-game currency or special items, leading to financial losses.
- AI-Generated Misinformation: Generative AI can produce convincing fake articles and posts that spread misinformation. Teens may unknowingly share this content, impacting their perceptions and decisions based on false narratives.
The truth is that all of us, even adults, should increase our awareness of these types of scams so we are more likely to recognize them. Having a conversation with your teens about them might lead to everyone learning more and acting safer.