Help Lolo and Lola Navigate AI With These Five Tips

Artificial intelligence (AI) has quickly become part of our everyday lives. From helping us write emails to answering questions and creating images, AI can be a useful tool when used responsibly.

But like any technology, it also has its risks. AI can now generate realistic-looking photos, videos, and even voices, making it easier for scammers to spread misinformation or trick people into giving away personal information. Older adults, especially those who did not grow up with digital technology, are often among the most vulnerable.

A few simple reminders can go a long way in helping our grandparents navigate the online world more safely. Here are some tips you can share with your lolo and lola, and even with your parents.

The saying "to see is to believe" doesn't always apply in today's digital world. AI can create convincing fake videos, photos, articles, and even voice recordings. While some are harmless and meant for entertainment, others are designed to spread misinformation or deceive people. Encourage grandparents to pause before believing or sharing something they see online, especially if it involves topics like health, religion, politics, or science. Remind them that not everything that looks real is actually true.

It also helps to keep them informed about common online scams. The more familiar they are with them, the easier it will be to spot them.

Scammers often use AI alongside information they gather from social media to make their messages appear more convincing. They may pretend to be a bank representative, a government agency, or even a family member in need of help. Remind your grandparents to never share personal details such as passwords, one-time PINs (OTPs), bank account information, or identification numbers through calls, text messages, emails, or social media.

Not every link or QR code is safe, even if it appears to come from a familiar company or someone they know. Teach lolos and lolas to be cautious before clicking unfamiliar links or scanning QR codes. When in doubt, it's always better to verify with the sender first or visit the organization's official website instead.

AI has also made voice scams more convincing. Criminals can now clone someone's voice using only a short audio clip, making it sound like a loved one is calling for help. If a call or message feels unusual, encourage your grandparents to verify it through another trusted contact before taking action.

Smart Parenting tip: Make sure lolos' and lolas' social media accounts are set to private to reduce the chances that their photos, data, and information will be used to scam them.

Many scams are designed to trigger fear, panic, or excitement. Scammers often pressure people into acting immediately by claiming there's an emergency or a limited-time opportunity. Remind your grandparents that it's perfectly okay to pause, slow down, or call them back.

This Parents.com article includes a helpful quote from Jessica Johnston, senior director of the Center for Economic Well-Being at the National Council on Aging (NCOA), a nonprofit providing resources and advocacy for older adults: “We really encourage people to not act in urgency, but to stop, run it by another person, or call a number back that you find on your own to verify, but really not to take any immediate action with someone on the phone that you’re not certain of.”

If someone is asking for money, personal information, or immediate action, they should pause first. Taking a few minutes to think or asking a trusted family member for advice can help prevent costly mistakes.

Perhaps the most important habit to develop is verifying information before believing or acting on it. If your grandparents receive a suspicious message or call from someone claiming to be a family member, teach them beforehand to hang up and call that person directly using a phone number they already know.

You can also create a family "safe word”, a secret word or phrase that only close family members know. During emergencies, this can help confirm whether the person they're speaking with is really who they claim to be.

AI isn't something to fear since it can be an incredibly helpful tool when used wisely. The key is making sure our loved ones know how to use it safely.

By taking the time to talk to our lolos and lolas, answer their questions, and guide them through today's digital landscape, we can help them enjoy the benefits of technology while staying protected from scams. Keeping our families safe doesn't just happen offline; it matters online, too.

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