Parents and caregivers have barely learned about the power of social media platforms and yet now they are finding out that kids are making use of apps that create “deep fakes” for the purpose of bullying other kids. These kids typically know that the “adults” will lag behind in catching them as they realise most parents and those in authority aren’t as aware of the abilities of AI deep fakes as they are. It’s because of this that adults must step up to the plate and take charge to stop these practices.
So many have a sense of confusion when it comes to AI.
According to Dr. Jennifer Hartstein is a nationally recognised child, adolescent and family psychologist:
“Deep fakes are AI-generated content that teenagers are using to bully others. Bullying can present itself in AI as teenagers using apps to alter images or videos, making non-explicit photos appear explicit by inserting other kids or students into videos or photos, often making them pornographic. There are undressing apps that can take a regular photo and make it appear to be a hyper-realistic nude photo by using AI to remove clothing, then sharing the photos or videos with others.”
Some of the scary statistics include the fact that the number of deep fake videos on line were up 550% in 2023 with pornography making up 93% of those videos. Deep fakes of this type are about sexual violence, specifically girls. While the images that are created with deep fakes aren’t real, the harm is very real. It’s important to know that these are a violation of privacy and getting help to realise that they need to take back their bodily autonomy and online image. It’s often recommended to get psychological assistance to help to guide these kids so that they feel empowered and not victims.
Being aware of and taking charge to eliminate this type of bullying is being referred to as “digital parenting.” Just as in any kind of bullying, those that are being bullied may not share what is happening with their parents as they have a sense of shame and embarrassment. It’s critical for parents and caregivers to try to have an open conversation with these kids, allowing them to talk and listening to what they have to say. Letting the kids know that you are aware of the technology and what kind of power it can have over others’ lives if they let it. Leading in with “curiosity” is the key- listening more, talk less and being empathetic, not angry.
On the other side of the coin, there are those kids that are creating the deep fakes through the use of the apps. It’s important to have conversations with schools, teachers, and other parents so that all are aware. There are psychological reasons that these kids act this way and it’s important for these kids to get the help they need to understand and stop it.
“It’s critically important to meet the new challenges of AI deep fakes as bullying and stalking head on. DaVinci Cybersecurity is ahead of the curve on this topic, working with adults to understand the dangers of these deep fakes and learn how to deal with them with their kids.”
Sharon Knowles, CEO DaVinci Cybersecurity
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