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I’m asked how (AI) will show itself in my non-profit, The Student Success Project. I truthfully say I don’t know yet because (AI’s) evolution is calling the shots. But I do have an idea, a very potent one involving MOOC+LMS. Let’s see if AI can figure that one out.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a powerful force, transforming how we live, communicate, and raise our children. The advent of AI has brought both incredible advancements and unforeseen challenges.
As we navigate this complex landscape, it becomes imperative to understand the potential risks it poses to our children’s well-being. From the creation of AI-generated content to the use of sophisticated algorithms in online grooming, the influence of AI on our children’s digital experiences is profound and multifaceted.
As advocates for child protection, we need to go straight online and dissect the implications of AI on the safety of our children online.
THREE AI DANGERS EVERY PARENT SHOULD KNOW
1) AI-GENERATED CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE MATERIAL (CSAM)
AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM) refers to the use of artificial intelligence algorithms to create lifelike but entirely fabricated explicit content involving minors.
These AI tools have an unsettling ability to create content that looks shockingly real, blurring the lines between what’s authentic and what’s not for both parents and the authorities tasked with combating CSAM and protecting children. This disturbing reality poses significant risks to our children’s safety online.
Beyond the inherent risks, AI-generated CSAM introduces a new dimension to online threats – the potential to amplify sextortion. Predators – or peers – can exploit these AI-generated images to threaten or coerce students into complying with their demands, whether it be sending money, complying with threats, or engaging in sexual acts to prevent the release of fake content.
No longer does someone need a real nude or explicit photo of your child to exploit or threaten them – now, they can create fake versions using publicly available images from school or social media.
2. AI-DRIVEN ONLINE GROOMING
Unlike traditional grooming, which relies solely on the instincts and tactics of the predator, AI-driven grooming uses advanced algorithms to identify and target potential victims more effectively. AI analyzes a child’s online activities, communication patterns, and personal information, allowing predators to tailor their approaches to exploit vulnerabilities.
Online grooming typically begins with predators attempting to establish trust and build a rapport with the child. AI enhances this process by automating the analysis of vast data, enabling predators to identify potential targets with greater precision. These algorithms can detect behavior patterns, interests, and emotional states, making grooming more accessible.
AI-driven grooming not only makes it easier and more efficient for predators to identify potential victims but also enables them to customize their interactions to be more convincing and manipulative.
This sophisticated manipulation can involve tailoring messages and content or creating fake personas that align with the child’s interests or emotional vulnerabilities. The goal is to establish a false sense of trust and connection, making it easier for the predator to exploit the child over time.
Parents play a crucial role in mitigating these risks by fostering open lines of communication with their children. Discussing their online activities, friends, and experiences allows parents to gain insights into potential red flags. By establishing trust, children are likelier to share concerns and seek guidance when faced with uncomfortable online situations.
3. DEEPFAKES AND IMPERSONATIONS
Deepfakes, powered by AI, involve manipulating visuals and audio to create convincing yet entirely fake content. In the context of children online, this translates to the creation of fake identities, potentially impersonating another child known to the victim, leading to a range of threats and manipulative scenarios.
Predators can exploit the potential of AI deepfakes to impersonate children, infiltrating online spaces where they can trick unsuspecting victims into building trust or engaging in explicit interactions. This manipulation can be persuasive when the predator impersonates someone familiar to the child, exploiting their pre-existing connections to lower their guard.
The ultimate goal may be to coerce the child into sending explicit content, engaging in sexual acts, or establishing a relationship built on deceit and manipulation.
HOW PARENTS FIGHT
In today’s tech-packed world, parents face new challenges when it comes to keeping their kids safe online. These high-tech risks remind us that going online comes with very real risks in addition to its inherent benefits. AI is becoming an increasingly normal part of our lives—one that’s unavoidable and thus demands our attention.
Our kids are growing up in a world where tech can be used to deceive, groom, and put them at risk. Staying informed and taking practical steps to be the tech-savvy parents our kids need isn’t just a bonus; it’s a must. And there is nothing fake about it.
This column is by Ritchie Lucas, Founder/CEO of the non-profit The Student Success Project. He can be reached by email at ritchie@studentsuccessproject.org and on Facebook as The Student Success Project.
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