This video aims to inform older adults about AI-generated media that is created to fool or, even worse, defraud them. Older adults are disproportionately targeted by scams. Financial stability, lack of technical savvy, cognitive decline and social isolation are some of the reasons why. By providing specific examples of AI-generated photos, videos and audio, along with informative tips about how to spot misleading materials, this video helps our audience avoid engaging with these materials and becoming victims of fraud.
When thinking about making a video that informs an older audience about scams that use advanced technology, like AI, we had to keep a number of things in mind. First, not all of our audience is tech-savvy. How could we explain this problem in a simple and straightforward way? Second, there is so much false and confusing information online. We needed a trusted voice to deliver this information. Finally, technology videos, while informative, can be challenging to watch and follow. How can we make this video informative and interesting so that our audience watches to the end?
In order to create a simple and straightforward message that could be trusted, we decided to have our veteran AARP technology writer, Ed Baig, be the host. Ed is known to the AARP audience as a reliable voice in technology and he is adept at delivering tips and information in a way that is easy to understand. We also decided to use specific and well-known examples of fraudulent AI materials, such as a picture of the pope wearing a puffer jacket. While showing the photo, we identify indicators that it was created by AI. In doing so, the audience follows along as we determine the credibility of the photo.
We enjoyed making this video for our audience, and we believe it informed and engaged them.
The video received over 3.7 million views and 11,000 engagements across our website and social channels. The main objective was to reach the widest number of older adults to help them be more aware of fabricated content they may see online. It was crucial for the video to be widely seen on social media, where a lot of AI-generated content that is meant to spread misinformation is posted. Facebook drove the majority of the views and engagement, which was the intent of the video itself. Social media comments on our video speak to its success in informing our audience:
“These are great tips."
“Shared, we should all know this”
“I always ask myself about these things. Thank you”
