What is an AI “Deepfake,” and Why Should I Care?

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What is a deepfake? It is defined as a video, photo, or audio recording that seems real but has been manipulated with AI. They have become deeply concerning to parents around the world because of how realistic they look. Technology has advanced so much that it’s becoming hard to tell what reality and what’s fiction, and that has dangerous implications for parents. Ted Lowe, Bobby Lewis, and Jason Hood break down how people are using AI to create confusing and harmful content.

A whopping 73% of parents told the polling service Barna that they’re “concerned” about kids using AI. Maybe that’s because kids across the nation have begun using AI to create deepfakes to bully peers. In multiple states, students have been caught creating fake images of classmates, often involving nudity. It’s a tricky offense to prosecute since many states don’t have laws against AI-generated material yet. The fact that deepfakes are technically not “real” images presents another legal challenge to keeping users in check.

What are parents supposed to do? Here are a few tips if you’re worried about AI deepfakes impacting your child:

1. Stay informed about AI-generated capabilities.

2. Educate your kids about AI with your values in mind.

3. Establish clear tech rules before letting your child use a chatbot.

4. Try out an AI image-creator together before handing over the tool.

5. Take steps to protect your kids from predators who use AI tech.

Bottom line: AI isn’t going away, so stay up to date on all the ways it’s being used and expect constant changes.

Pro Move of the Week: Ask your kids if they know what a “deepfake” is. Talk about what your family feels are appropriate and inappropriate ways to use AI.

Other resources:

5 Ways to Keep Kids Safe With AI Images and Deepfakes

3 Insights for Parenting in the Age of AI

4 Warning Bells as AI Continues to Influence the World

AI Quiz 1

AI Quiz 2

AI Images That Went Viral in 2023

Baltimore School Firing Over AI-generated Audio (NPR)

EXTRAS:

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