Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing our world, from how we work and learn to how we connect with loved ones. While exciting, this evolution also brings new challenges, particularly for older adults. Scammers are now leveraging AI to craft highly convincing deceptions, making AI safety for seniors a crucial topic for families. It’s no longer just about avoiding politics at the dinner table; discussing AI with older relatives is a vital act of protection and care.
The Unseen Threat: Why AI Scams Target Older Adults
Seniors have long been prime targets for various scams, and the advent of sophisticated AI technology has dramatically amplified this risk. AI makes it easier and cheaper than ever to generate realistic text, audio, and video fakes. These “deepfakes” can mimic the voices of grandchildren in distress or even create video likenesses of loved ones, all designed to exploit trust and urgency.
A recent study by The CareSide and researchers from Harvard and the University of Minnesota revealed a startling statistic: older adults misidentified online content one out of every three times. This highlights a significant vulnerability to the blurring lines between human and machine creations. Without the right knowledge, distinguishing a genuine plea from an AI-generated fabrication becomes increasingly difficult. The emotional toll and financial losses from such scams can be devastating, underscoring why proactive conversations about online fraud are essential.
Beyond Scams: The Blurring Lines of AI Interaction
The impact of AI on seniors extends beyond just scams. Cutting-edge AI is also pushing ethical boundaries, challenging our perceptions of grief, memory, and companionship. Companies are developing technologies that allow people to interact with AI replicas of deceased loved ones. Take for instance, the Los Angeles-based startup 2Wai, which offers an app to create interactive digital avatars of family members. A promotional video depicting a pregnant woman interacting with an AI version of her late mother, and later, her child forming a lifelong bond with an AI “grandma,” sparked widespread controversy.
Critics, drawing parallels to the Black Mirror episode “Be Right Back,” argue that such technologies risk replacing genuine grief with artificial comfort. The concept of an AI “granny” reading bedtime stories or sharing life milestones raises profound questions about the distortion of memory, attachment, and the natural process of loss. This phenomenon, which some describe as the “commercialization of grief,” underscores the need to discuss not only scams but also the broader ethical implications of AI avatars with older family members. Understanding these developments is key to navigating the complex future of human-AI relationships.
AI Companions: Promises and Pitfalls for Seniors
The allure of AI companions for seniors is understandable, promising connection and support. However, the reality of these devices often falls short, while also introducing new risks. Consider the viral AI “Friend” necklace, reviewed by Eva Roytburg for Fortune. Marketed as an “always listening,” context-aware confidant, the device was found to be severely underdeveloped. It struggled with basic functionality, offering fragmented advice, suffering from significant lag, and frequently failing to hear or respond.
More concerning are the privacy implications. The “Friend” necklace’s terms of service require users to sign away “biometric data consent,” granting the company permission to collect and use audio, video, and voice data for AI training. While the founder claimed no intent to sell data, such provisions highlight significant privacy concerns with AI companion devices. Older adults, often less familiar with digital terms of service, could unknowingly consent to extensive data collection. Discussing these products, their capabilities, and their potential data privacy issues is a critical component of ensuring AI safety for seniors.
Starting the Conversation: Practical Tips for Discussing AI
Initiating conversations about complex topics like AI with older relatives can seem daunting. Remember, you don’t need a PhD in machine learning to help others understand the basics and protect themselves. The goal is to open a dialogue rooted in care, not criticism.
Here’s how to start talking to seniors about AI:
Keep it Simple: Avoid jargon. Explain AI in terms of practical examples they might encounter, like voice assistants or suggested content online.
Focus on Their Experience: Ask if they’ve received any suspicious calls, texts, or emails recently. This makes the conversation relevant to their daily life.
Emphasize Protection: Frame the discussion around keeping them safe and secure, not about their tech savviness.
Use Real-World Scenarios: Describe common scam tactics vividly. For example:
The “Grandchild in Trouble” Scam: A call or text from a “grandchild” claiming an emergency, needing money wired immediately, often with a story that prevents direct contact (e.g., “my phone is broken,” “I’m in jail”). AI voice cloning can make these incredibly convincing.
The “Bank or Government Agency” Demand: A call or email demanding immediate payment or personal information, threatening legal action or account closure. Remember, legitimate institutions won’t demand immediate payment via gift cards or unusual methods.
The “Caregiver Request for Gift Cards”: A fake request for gift cards for urgent needs, often preying on their generosity.
Equipping Them with Defenses: Recognizing AI-Generated Content
As AI generators for text, images, and video become more realistic, vigilance is key. Here are some red flags to discuss:
Inconsistencies and “Hallucinations”: AI, especially large language models (LLMs), can “hallucinate” or make things up. If a story from a “loved one” sounds off, or details don’t add up, it’s a major red flag.
Unusual Urgency or Pressure: Scammers thrive on urgency. Any request for immediate action, especially involving money or personal details, should trigger suspicion.
Verify Independently: Teach them to hang up and call the person back on a known, verified number (not the one provided by the suspected scammer). If it’s a grandchild, call their parents directly.
Visual and Audio Clues: While increasingly sophisticated, deepfakes can sometimes have subtle tells: unnatural eye movements, distorted backgrounds, robotic speech patterns, or awkward pauses in voice calls.
The Unexpected Ally: AI Fighting Back Against Scammers
While AI presents new threats, it also offers powerful tools for defense. Consider “Daisy,” an innovative AI bot developed by British mobile phone company O2. Daisy, styled as a “78 years young” grandmother, is designed to combat phone scammers by engaging them in lengthy, frustrating conversations. Daisy chats about mundane topics like knitting patterns, scone recipes, and her kitten, Fluffy, feigning confusion about technology.
This strategic time-wasting, sometimes lasting up to 40 minutes per call, diverts scammers from targeting real, vulnerable individuals. Developed in collaboration with scam baiter Jim Browning, Daisy demonstrates that AI fraud prevention can be incredibly effective. While Daisy’s primary goal was awareness, it highlights the potential for AI to be a force for good, even if it feels a bit like fighting fire with fire. This positive example can be a helpful talking point, showing that AI isn’t all bad.
Creating a Safe Digital Environment Together
AI safety for seniors is not a one-time conversation but an ongoing commitment. Encourage an environment where your older relatives feel comfortable asking questions and sharing suspicious encounters without fear of judgment.
Regular Check-ins: Make it a habit to casually ask about their online experiences and any calls or messages they’ve received.
Set Up Alerts: Help them configure spam filters on emails and phone calls.
Secure Devices: Ensure their devices have up-to-date antivirus software and strong, unique passwords.
Review Privacy Settings: Help them understand and adjust privacy settings on social media and other apps.
Be Patient and Reassuring: It takes time to adapt to new technologies and threats. Your ongoing support is their best defense.
The digital world, empowered by AI, is complex. By having open, empathetic conversations and providing practical advice, we can help our beloved seniors navigate this landscape safely and confidently, protecting them from the evolving threats of AI-powered deception.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the biggest AI threats for seniors today?
The most significant AI threats for seniors currently revolve around sophisticated scamming tactics. AI-generated voice clones and deepfake videos can mimic loved ones, making “grandchild in trouble” scams incredibly convincing. Additionally, AI-powered text generators create highly believable phishing emails and messages. Beyond scams, ethical concerns around AI avatars of deceased individuals and the privacy implications of AI companion devices also pose significant challenges, as highlighted by controversial apps like 2Wai and the data collection practices of products like the “Friend” necklace.
How can I start a conversation about AI safety with my older relatives?
Begin by focusing on their personal experiences and concerns rather than lecturing. Ask if they’ve received any unusual calls or messages recently. Emphasize that your goal is to help them stay safe, not to criticize their tech skills. Keep explanations simple, use relatable examples of scams (like the “grandchild in trouble” scenario), and highlight red flags such as urgent demands for money or personal information. Reassure them that asking questions is a sign of wisdom, and encourage them to always verify suspicious requests through known, trusted contacts.
Are AI companion devices safe for seniors to use?
While AI companion devices promise connection, their safety for seniors is a complex issue. Many devices, like the “Friend” necklace, are still in early development, often exhibiting technical flaws and unreliable performance. A major concern is data privacy; these devices frequently require extensive consent to collect biometric data, including audio and voice recordings, which can be used for AI training. This raises questions about how personal data is stored, used, and protected. Before considering such devices, it’s crucial to thoroughly research their privacy policies, review user feedback, and discuss potential risks with the senior, prioritizing their data security above perceived companionship benefits.
