Artificial intelligence, or AI, is popping up everywhere these days. From smart home devices to health apps, AI can offer helpful tools that make life easier, especially for older adults. As with any new technology, scammers are finding ways to take advantage of it. In this post, we’ll explore the ways AI can support older adults and how to protect yourself from its potential pitfalls. 

What is AI? 

Per NASA, “Artificial intelligence refers to computer systems that can perform complex tasks normally done by human-reasoning, decision making, creating, etc.” There is artificial intelligence “baked” into a lot of everyday products (e.g., voice-activated devices such as Amazon’s Alexa, fitness trackers, and websites), as well as generative AI, which are websites where a user types out a request in the AI chatbot (e.g., make a meal plan,  generate a checklist or ways to organize your life, etc.).  

 

Popular AI Websites 

There seem to be more AI websites popping up each day. Below are the top two most used sites (as of this blog post): 

• ChatGPT– created by OpenAI, this is probably the most commonly used AI website and the first to get traction by the general public. ChatGPT is free and you don’t need to make an account (but you can if you have more complicated results, or want it to learn your voice/writing style).  

• Gemini– created by Google, this website works similarly to ChatGPT where you type a response into a text box. Gemini offers both free and paid options.  

 

AI Benefits 

• AI 
  • Amazon Alexa assistants are commonly used in assisted living and memory care facilities. Alexa can help residents get information at a glance, such as that day’s weather, menu, and current events.
  • Smart devices like Google Nest can control items in the home such as the thermostat or lights. 
  • Voice-activated devices make it easier for caregivers to accomplish things. If the caregiver’s hands are full, they can just ask one of these devices (e.g., Google Nest, Alexa) to dim the lights, raise the temperature, or add something to a shopping list.  
  • Users can use voice-activated devices to set medication reminders, so they take their medication as prescribed.  
  • Smart lighting (e.g., voice-activated lights, motion-activated lights, smart lightbulbs, etc.) can allow seniors to tell the lights to turn on in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, reducing their risk of a fall. 

• Generative AI 
  • Generative AI (ChatGPT/Gemini/etc.) can offer suggestions for activities, exercises, or hobbies based on the senior user’s interests.  
  • Generative AI can help with socialization. Users can ask generative AI for lists of senior centers, Churches, or more in their area.  
  • Generative AI can also help seniors draft letters and emails. Seniors simply need to type in the text box what the topic is (e.g., writing a letter to the city about a pothole or dangerous road) and add the tone they’re aiming for (e.g., “please use a polite but firm tone” or “please use a more formal tone.”).  
  • AI can act as tech support. Type in the textbox what you’re having issues with so the chatbot can guide you (e.g. “write out step by step directions for how can I make the text bigger on my phone”). You can also ask the chatbot to explain further if you need more help.  
  • Generative AI can also help put things in plain language. Seniors can type a paragraph from a government document (e.g., Medicare, food stamps application, etc.) into the chatbot and ask AI to explain what was typed in simple terms.  
  • Generative AI can act as a personal assistant and do things like generate a meal plan or shopping list, generate gift ideas for family members, create a to do list, or make recommendations.  
  • Generative AI can help with socialization. Users can ask the chatbot to play games with them or chat with them as if they’re a friend.  

 

AI Dangers  

Unfortunately, whenever new technology is introduced, scammers quickly find a way to use it to take advantage of others. AI, especially generative AI, is still a new technology and may not always be 100% correct. 

• Misinformation 
  • According to a report by the University of Michigan and AARP, only 32% of older adults said that they thought they could determine if something generated by AI was accurate. 74% of older adults polled said they had very little trust or no trust in health information supplied by generative AI.  
  • While AI can be a great tool to turn jargon from the government or doctor into simple terms, it’s still best to follow up with your doctor or other trusted resource with any questions you may have since AI isn’t always 100% accurate.  
• Privacy 
  • Generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT) isn’t private and trainers can see everything that users ask or share. Make sure not to share sensitive or confidential information on AI websites!  
• Scams 

 

Common AI Scams

• Scam: “Deepfakes”– this is when a scammer creates “an image or recording that has been convincingly altered and manipulated to misrepresent someone as doing or saying something that was not actually done or said.” Some romance scams are now including deepfakes.  
  • Keep an eye out for red flags: asking for money, talking about investing, asking you to use a specific app you’ve never heard of. Remember, if something feels too good to be true, it probably is!  
  • Take a good look at pictures; AI can create some convincing pictures, but it tends to get details wrong (e.g., wrong number of fingers, extra row of teeth, etc.). If you’re worried, you can use reverse image search to see where the picture came from. 
  • For videos, look for jerky or unrealistic movements, lighting changes, and whether the “person” in the video blinks normally.  
  • Be suspicious of someone texting or messaging you randomly.  

• Scam: Voice Cloning– scammers use AI-generated clones of someone’s voice (e.g., a senior’s grandchild), which makes the classic grandparent scam much more realistic. The clone isn’t always an exact match, but it can be good enough to trick someone over the phone.  
  • Remain calm. Scammers rely on you to panic and not think logically.  
  • Have a code word with your family members so you know it’s really them if you get a call like this. When the scammer calls, remain calm and ask whoever’s calling for their code word.   
  • Call the family member that’s supposedly contacting you.  
  • Be skeptical of pictures, videos, and audio recordings- they may not be real. 
  • If you use social media, make sure your profile is private.  
  • Trust your gut- if something feels like a scam, it probably is.  

• Scam: Chatbots– more and more businesses are using AI chatbots for customer service. Sometimes scammers create chatbots that make you think you’re interacting with the business, but you’re being scammed.  
  • Only use chatbots from the business’s website.  
    • How to check if a website is safe via Norton Antivirus 
  • If the chatbot gives you an urgent request or tries to make you act immediately, that’s a red flag that it’s a scam.  
  • Remember: legitimate businesses will not ask for your passwords, Social Security number, or other sensitive information.  

• Scam: Phishing Emails– phishing emails aren’t new, but AI allows them to look more legitimate than ever, making it difficult to know whether you’re dealing with the real agency or a scammer.  
  • Ask yourself whether you have an account at the organization emailing you.  
  • Does the email have a sense of urgency or need you to act right away? It could be a scam. 
  • Look for spelling and grammar mistakes. 
  • If you’re unsure, contact the agency directly (e.g., if an email says it’s from your bank, give them a call and ask if they emailed you.) 
  • Don’t click on ANY links in the email, even to unsubscribe.  

 

Community Resources 

• AARP Scam Tracking Map- this website allows you to see what scams are active in your area (based on reports made to AARP).  

• AsKevin (734) 288-8338 – offer a variety of computer classes aimed at older adults, including a class on smart devices.  

• Senior Resource Connect cybersecurity training– this training, created with Digital Connection Corps @ EMU, helps seniors recognize online threats, protect personal information, and stay safe from fraud. For more information, contact Rachael at [email protected] or (734) 971-9781, ext. 390 

• Visit the Senior Resource Connect online senior resource directory to find computer support programs in your area.