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What Are Deepfakes? Navigating the New Digital World with our Youth



Let's chat about something that's been on my mind lately since I can't escape it in the media and its even causing a stir among some of our favorite musical artists: Deepfakes. I know, it sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, right? But trust me, it's something we need to be increasingly aware of, especially in this digital age where we are practically glued to their screens and in many cases constantly sharing information.

So, what exactly are deepfakes? Well, imagine your little one's face being swapped with a cartoon character's in a video, or someone making it look like your teenager is saying things they'd never dream of saying, or someone making a song that sounds just like your favorite artist but, it's not. Deepfakes are digital manipulations that use artificial intelligence (AI) to create realistic-looking videos or images that depict people saying or doing things they never actually did. These can range from harmless fun, like swapping faces in a funny video, to more malicious uses, such as creating fake news or spreading misinformation and they can impact all of us.



Now, why should we care? Well, besides the fact that it's kind of mind-blowing and can be used for harmless fun, like using popular apps to see yourself with a completely different look, using filters, or making edits to images, there's a darker side too. Some people use deepfakes to spread lies or make someone look bad online by making it seem like they are saying something they really didn't say. And that's definitely not okay.

Now, here's the tricky part – how do we help our kids spot these sneaky fakes? I've been trying to teach my 10-year-old to be like a detective online. We talk about looking for signs that something might not be quite right, like if a video looks too perfect or if the voice doesn't quite match up with the person speaking.

But it's not all doom and gloom, promise! In a lot of ways our kids are more aware than ever before to not believe everything they see online. There are some simple things we all can do to help our kiddos stay safe online. First off, we can encourage open chats about what they're seeing and doing online. No judgment, just open ears and honest conversations.


We also should stress the importance of checking things out before hitting that share button. Remind them that not everything they see online is true, and it's best to question stuff and seek a second or third reputable source before sharing. And of course, teaching boundaries is key – like not messing around with other people's photos or videos without their permission.

So, let's work together and stay informed so we can tackle this digital world together. By staying informed, having those chats, and teaching our kids to think critically, we can help them navigate the digital world with confidence.

Ebony Bagley - Internet Wellness Advocate


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