Our children are exposed to a myriad of information every day. Among the most concerning developments online are deepfakes—highly realistic and digitally altered videos or audio recordings that can mislead viewers by making them believe in false information.
Deepfakes leverage advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to manipulate media content in ways that are often indistinguishable from real footage. These alterations can range from swapping faces in videos to fabricating entire speeches or actions that never occurred. The potential for misuse is significant; deep fakes can be employed to spread misinformation, manipulate public opinion and, where we are most concerned, to defame individuals even children.
A clever campaign launched in Europe this month highlighting the risks of deepfakes and other AI-generated content online under the slogan ‘Monkey see, monkey do’. To illustrate both the power and risks of AI, all campaign content was developed using AI technology. The choice to do this aims to demonstrate the capabilities and potential dangers of AI in content creation. Here’s the ‘Think Twice Before Sharing’ video from the campaign:
Given the sophisticated nature of deepfakes, recognising them requires a critical eye and a set of specific skills. Here are a few reasons why our children need to understand and identify deepfakes:
- Media Literacy: Educating children about deepfakes enhances their overall media literacy. They learn to question and critically analyse the content they consume rather than accepting it at face value. This skepticism is a fundamental aspect of becoming informed and responsible digital citizens.
- Preventing Misinformation: Deepfakes can easily contribute to the spread of false information. When children know how to detect these fabrications, they can help prevent the dissemination of misleading content, thereby playing an active role in maintaining the integrity of information flow in their communities.
- Protecting Personal Integrity: As deep fake technology becomes more accessible, the risk of personal misuse increases. Children must be aware of how their own digital images and information could potentially be exploited. Understanding deep fakes empowers them to take preventative measures and protect their personal integrity online.
How to spot a Deepfake
Check for:
- blurring, cropped effects or pixilation (small box-like shapes), particularly around the mouth, eyes and neck
- skin inconsistency or discoloration
- inconsistency across a video, such as glitches, sections of lower quality and changes in the lighting or background
- badly synced sound
- irregular blinking or movement that seems unnatural or irregular
- gaps in the storyline or speech.
If in doubt, ask yourself questions such as:
- Who is behind this information?
- Is the source reliable?
- Is this topic presented the same way elsewhere?