Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1537790
14 SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | AUGUST 2025 By Annette Hillis, Resident Articial intelligence may simplify our daily tasks, as we pointed out in last month's issue, but for older adults it can also open the door to manipulation and confusion. Because it is important for seniors to understand the potential risks behind the convenience of AI, this month we will take a look into some of its disadvantages and out-and-out dangers. e British Canadian scientist oen touted as the "godfather" of articial intelligence, Georey Hinton, recently said that there is a 10 – 20% chance that AI would lead to human extinction within the next three decades — a sobering statement since he originally remarked, a few years ago, a much lower percentage. Hinton has called for governments to regulate the technology. In fact, only a few years ago, several initiatives did indeed come forward to do just that. ey mandated that federal agencies appoint AI ocers to develop risk guidelines, but they were eventually rescinded. Moreover, a recent bill passed both the House and Senate, banning states from any regulation of AI for the next 10 years. As a result, seniors need to educate themselves so they can mitigate the risks of being taken advantage of in a world where it may be dicult to know what is real. ere are several reasons why our population is especially targeted. We tend to be less familiar with technology, we have the nancial resources that makes us attractive targets, and our cognitive decline may hinder our ability to recognize fraud or to respond appropriately. Common AI-driven scams that are directed toward seniors include AI voice cloning where scammers replicate the voices of loved ones. ey oen pose as relatives in distress, requesting nancial help. Deepfake videos can also mimic a trusted individual who deceives victims into believing the interaction is genuine. Personalized phishing emails enable scammers to impersonate banks, online retailers, or even government agencies. e emails aim to obtain sensitive information like account credentials or nancial details. A popular hoax is for fake tech support people to call and say that there are issues with your computer. ey want you to grant them remote access so they can "x" the problem. Investment cons involve AI-generated fake websites that promise high returns. ey lure the elderly into transferring signicant sums of money into fraudulent schemes by creating convincing narratives and visuals. Seniors lose billions annually to fraud, with many cases going unreported due to embarrassment or shame. How can we protect ourselves? ere are several ways. First, verify the identity of the caller by asking for a pre- chosen code word or by hanging up and calling back using a known number for that person or business. Be mindful of social media. Remove audio recordings that could be used for voice cloning. Privacy settings help provide another layer of security. Use defensive soware that includes spam blockers and deepfake detection. Education is vital so we can recognize the pitfalls of AI but also enjoy the benets it has to oer. AI: Easy to Use, Easy to Abuse