Cyberchat #12
Dear Friend,
The day has arrived: we are living in the future. I can remember as a kid thinking how amazing it would be to finally have a world where technology ruled and artificial intelligence was right at our fingertips. Now that we are here, it’s not at all like I imagined. The world of AI feels more George Orwell than George Jetson. As a parent, I was not prepared for the dangers that AI would present to my child in every aspect of her online life. From virtual assistants to videos hijacking our faces and voices, we need to be vigilant in having a dialogue with our kids about how to safely navigate the new and expanding world of AI.
With you in solidarity,
WENDY WADDELL
SafetyNet® Program Manager
The AI Revolution
Artificial intelligence is all around us. You can instantly ask Siri a question on your iPhone, you could ride in a robotaxi around town, or chat with an AI personality on social media.
What is artificial intelligence?
According to Google, AI is, “a set of technologies that enable computers to perform a variety of advanced functions, including the ability to see, understand and translate spoken and written language, analyze data, make recommendations, and more.”
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) provides a more complex definition, breaking artificial intelligence down into three categories: artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning.
No matter how AI is defined, it is constantly evolving and affecting our lives.
AI Virtual Assistants
Some AI virtual assistants you may be familiar with include Apple’s Siri, Amazon’s Alexa, or Google’s Gemini. These virtual assistants use artificial intelligence, natural language processing, and machine learning algorithms to communicate with users. They are able to have a “conversation” with you via pre-programmed responses and actions.
Apple recently launched Apple Intelligence, which it describes as a “personal intelligence system.” If you have iOS 18.3 or above on your Apple device, Apple Intelligence is on by default. Because this program is in beta, they warn that “outputs may be inaccurate, unexpected, or offensive.” Apple Intelligence works by drawing from the personal information on your device. To turn it off, simply go to “Settings” > “Apple Intelligence & Siri”, then tap the button next to “Apple Intelligence.” Some Apple users enjoy the features that Apple Intelligence provides which include: writing tools, summarizing messages, and creating images. However, these features are costing you your valuable data and privacy.
AI in Social Media
Artificial intelligence is changing the social media landscape. Most social media apps now have an artificial intelligence integration. On Snapchat, “My AI” is the first suggested “person” to chat with. On Instagram and Facebook when you select the search icon, the first thing that pops up is “Ask Meta AI.” In 2023, Meta quietly launched AI profiles on their platforms Instagram and Facebook. These profiles featured machine-generated and human-created posts and allowed users to chat with them. The problem is that users realized they could not block content from these accounts. After receiving public backlash, Meta announced it would be deleting these profiles. Artificial intelligence can spread misinformation, which during an election, can be dangerous. X’s (formerly Twitter) AI chatbot Grok spread false information about the 2024 election and generated violent, graphic fake images of prominent politicians. Because artificial intelligence is a fairly new thing, it is not held accountable for its actions.
Update on TikTok Ban
Here’s what we covered in our last issue. On January 19, the TikTok ban took effect. On January 20, President Trump took office and signed an executive order delaying enforcement of the ban for 75 days. On February 7, TikTok announced it had created an Android Package Kit (APK) which allowed users to download the app directly from their website. For a brief period, TikTok was removed from Google Play and the App Store but is now again available for download.
Resources
- Google: What is Artificial Intelligence?
- NASA: What is Artificial Intelligence?
- Is Siri AI? Everything You Need to Know
- Apple Intelligence
- Meta Retracts AI Powered Profiles
- Social Media Platforms & AI
OurPact’s Web Filter & App Rules
As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into everyday life, it’s important for parents to help their children navigate this evolving digital world safely. AI-powered tools in social media, virtual assistants, and search engines can be helpful, but they also raise concerns about privacy, misinformation, and screen time management. With OurPact’s Web Filter & App Rules, parents can block or allow specific websites and apps, ensuring kids engage with AI-driven technology safely and age-appropriately. Stay in control of your family’s digital experience and help your children develop healthy online habits. Learn more here.
SafetyNet: Smart Cyber Choices® is a collaborative program of the San Diego Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (SD-ICAC) and the San Diego Police Foundation. It is designed to help kids, parents, educators, and concerned adults learn how to keep kids safe online.