Are you a senior or do you have a loved one who is? Whether you're a baby boomer or you just feel that technology has gotten way too complicated, We have a 2-part series of easy to understand videos to give you some vital information to navigate the sometimes overwhelming universe of artificial intelligence AI. Let's start with the basics. AI is the ability of a computer to perform tasks that could be accomplished by a human.

AI and Seniors - Part 2 Video Transcript

Welcome to part two of AI for seniors. In part one, we talked about how you interact with AI every day. In part two, we will cover what you should know about the risks with AI, including scams and how to protect yourself.

The world of AI is not all good. Every click tells the AI something about you that makes your experience online easier, but it also opens opportunities for bad actors. When you use the internet, you are given privacy options to control what you share and what you keep private. These settings will allow you to manage who can see your personal information, how your data is used, and what permission apps and websites have. Taking control of these settings means you're actively protecting your privacy and staying safe online. Ultimately, your privacy is in your hands. Typically, you go to settings, click on privacy and choose your own privacy controls.

Now let's talk about how to recognize and avoid AI scams targeting the senior community. Let's explore some of the common scams to be on the lookout for. Phishing scams involve deceptive messages, usually emails pretending to be from legitimate sources to trick individuals into providing sensitive data like passwords or credit card information, which can lead to identity theft or financial loss. Another form of deception are deep fake scams. Deep fake scams use a high generated audio or video to create realistic but fake content, often to impersonate someone and trick people into believing they are interacting with the real person, potentially causing financial and reputational damage. Scammers can create an AI generated voice that may sound like your child or grandchild, but it isn't really them. It just sounds like them and you may take action because of it. The best thing to do is to ask specific questions like what is your home address? What is your pet's name? What is your nickname? Try any one of these or others before taking any action. Both deepfake and phishing scams play on people's trust.

So how do you recognize and protect yourself from scams? Watch out for unexpected attachments in emails, phone calls or requests for big payments. Make sure to go directly to the official website or app to check any emails that seem suspicious. Never click on links or download attachments from unfamiliar sources as they could have viruses or lead to phishing attempts, even if they are addressed to your name specifically. Next, always double check who's sending the message before you share personal information or make payments online. Do you recognize the sender? Is the information verifiable? Never send out sensitive information without verifying the source. Remember, just because you receive an email, text, or voicemail using your first name does not mean the sender is a friend. Lastly, do some research. Don't trust messages that come out of the blue, especially if they promise fast money, or if they ask for personal information or say they need you to take an action right away, like sending money online. Always double check if the offer is real before you decide to take any action.

AI can make just about anything look or sound real. Incorporating AI into daily life requires thoughtful consideration and ongoing evaluation. Seniors can experience greater independence and quality of life by using AI tools that provide personalized assistance, improve health monitoring, and enhance daily living. It's essential to choose AI online tools and services wisely, ensuring you prioritize privacy, security, and ease of use. Whether it's using AI to manage medications, stay connected with loved ones, or simplifying household tasks, these technologies can greatly benefit you. With the right approach, it can make a significant difference in your life, offering new possibilities for independence and peace of mind. But most importantly, be safe. Be aware of your clicks online and always question something that appears odd or unusual.