Deepfakes are getting smarter. Teach kids to outsmart them.

AI is changing the way we connect, create and share. It’s behind everything from fun filters to helpful chatbots. But as AI-generated images and videos become more advanced, so do deepfakes, making it harder to tell what’s real and what’s not.

That’s a big deal for teens, who are already navigating a complex digital world. A recent study found that 1 in 10 teenagers (ages 13 – 17) know someone who has been targeted by a deepfake—an AI-generated image or video designed to seem real, often used to mislead, manipulate or harass. For parents, understanding this technology isn’t just important—it’s essential.

That means at least one student in every classroom is dealing with some deepfake-generated drama. And because kids don’t like reporting things like this, the actual  number is probably even higher.

With more deepfakes showing up online, you can help your teen learn how to recognize what’s real and what’s a deepfake. And the first step? Helping them understand the ways that AI generated content can trigger their emotions.

How to recognize AI-generated scams: Focus on the way it makes you feel.

Deepfakes and scams are designed to trigger strong emotions. Whether it’s a fake news story, a scam ad or a deepfake video, an AI-generated scam works best when it gets people to react first and think later. That’s why teaching kids to pause and assess their emotional response is a key first step in recognizing fakes (and because you can’t put parental controls on their emotions).

1. Fact-check before you act.

The best defense is verification:

• If it’s a news story, check your family’s trusted news sources, e.g., the Associated Press News or your local news station.
• If it’s a product, go directly to the brand’s official website or that of a trusted big-box retailer for information.
• If it’s a video, try using reverse image search tools or checking platforms like Snopes to confirm its authenticity.

2. Check for AI deepfake telltale signs.

• Hand and finger distortions: AI struggles with hands—check for extra fingers or unnatural bends.
• Merging details: Check things like clothing, hair and accessories closely. AI often blends elements incorrectly, such as blending a belt into a shirt.
• Strange lighting and shadows: AI images sometimes have inconsistent shadows or reflections that don’t line up.
• Unusual text and typography: AI-generated images often include garbled text or nonsensical signs in the background.

3. Check platform warnings.

Social media platforms are starting to label AI-generated content like deepfakes. Check for disclosure tags on social media, such as TikTok, that indicate whether an image or video is AI-created.

In the age of AI, teach kids to pause, question and verify.

AI is changing how kids experience the internet, but critical thinking will always be the most powerful filter. The best way to protect kids isn’t to shield them from AI-generated scams—it’s to help them recognize them clearly.

You’re there for them—Verizon Family is there for you.