AI-Generated Content: What Parents and Teens Should Know

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the way we experience the internet. From AI-created images and videos to chatbots and deepfakes, the online world is now filled with content that looks real but is often completely fake. While AI has its benefits—like sparking creativity and solving problems—it also comes with risks, especially for younger users who might find it hard to tell what’s real and what’s not.

What Exactly is AI-Generated Content?

AI-generated content is anything—text, images, videos, or audio—created by artificial intelligence instead of humans. Thanks to tools like ChatGPT, deepfake technology, and AI art generators, it’s now incredibly easy to produce content that looks real but is entirely fabricated. Here are some common examples:

• Deepfake videos: These are AI-made videos that manipulate someone’s face or voice to make it seem like they said or did something they never actually did.

• AI-generated photos: Hyper-realistic pictures of people who don’t exist, often used in fake social media profiles or scams.

• Text and chatbot interactions: AI chatbots that can mimic human conversation so well, they might trick you into thinking you’re talking to a real person.

• Fake news and misinformation: AI tools can churn out false or misleading articles and posts at an alarming rate, making it harder to know what’s true online.

  
  

The Risks of AI-Generated Content

While AI-generated content can be fun and innovative, it’s not all harmless. Here are some of the dangers to watch out for:

• Misinformation and fake news: AI can create convincing fake news articles and deepfake videos that spread lies, confuse people, and even influence public opinion.

• Manipulation and fraud: Scammers are using AI-generated faces and videos to trick people in romance scams, financial fraud, and impersonation schemes.

• Harmful AI-generated images: Some AI tools are being misused to create explicit or inappropriate images, including of minors, which raises serious ethical and legal concerns.

• Cyberbullying and reputation damage: Fake images and videos created by AI can be used to humiliate, blackmail, or harm someone’s reputation.

• Exploitation of personal data: AI models are trained on massive amounts of online data, which sometimes includes personal information shared without consent.

  
  

How to Stay Safe Online

Navigating the world of AI-generated content can feel overwhelming, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family:

1. Learn to spot AI-generated content: Teach yourself and your kids to think critically about what you see online. If something seems too sensational or controversial, it’s worth double-checking.

2. Check the source: Always verify information by cross-referencing it with trusted news outlets. AI-generated content often lacks credible sources.

3. Use reverse image search: If you suspect an image might be fake, tools like Google Reverse Image Search can help you find out if it’s been manipulated.

4. Adjust privacy settings: Be mindful of what you share online. The less personal information you put out there, the lower the risk of it being used in AI-generated scams.

5. Report suspicious content: If you come across deepfakes, scams, or other harmful AI-generated content, report it to the platform or authorities.

AI-generated content isn’t going anywhere, and while it offers exciting possibilities, it also demands greater awareness and caution. By staying informed, encouraging critical thinking, and setting boundaries online, parents and teens can navigate the AI-driven internet more safely.

For more tips on staying safe online and keeping up with the latest in internet security, visit BeSmartOnline.info. Stay smart, stay safe!

Written by: Davinia Marie Muscat - SIC, Helpline & Hotline