Let’s be honest: just figuring out what’s real on the internet is hard for anyone. The online world these days? It’s wild. AI writes tons of “news” stories, blogs, and even emails, making things extra confusing. So, how do you help Grandma or Dad steer clear of AI-generated stuff and spot what’s genuinely trustworthy? Well, I’ll walk you through a few tips that’ve worked for my family and might actually keep things simple—and maybe even fun.
Start With a Little Patience (Coffee Helps)
First off, patience is the secret sauce here. Imagine learning to read again, except the letters keep changing shape and new rules pop up every day. That’s the internet for most seniors. I like to sit with my dad, mug in hand, and talk through what he’s seeing online. Sometimes I’m shocked by what he finds. Other times, I’m impressed (who knew he’d get that far into YouTube?). But the key is to go slow, take breaks, and try not to roll your eyes too much.
Teach Them the Signs: Weird Posts, Strange Headlines, and Too-Good-To-Be-True Stories
You know those articles that are full of big promises, wild health claims, or too many exclamation points? Odds are, AI wrote them or at least helped out. Encourage your loved one to ask basic questions. Does the article have an author’s name? Is there a real date? Do the sentences feel a little “off”, like they were glued together, but something’s not quite right? If something just seems too sensational or sounds like an ad, don’t believe it right away.
Show Them How To Use Fact-Checking (It Feels Like a Superpower)
Don’t skip this part. There are super easy tools online, and most folks in an assisted living community can learn them with a little coaching. Google News, Snopes, and sites like FactCheck.org do a great job figuring out what’s factual and what’s just recycled AI nonsense. Encourage your loved ones to search for a headline from a couple of different sites before taking it seriously. It’s almost like being an internet detective.
Encourage Skeptical Clicking (But Not Paranoia)
Honestly, it’s a strange world when you have to second-guess so much stuff online. Remind your loved ones it's okay to be skeptical. They shouldn’t click on every link or download attachments from emails with odd wording or weird grammar mistakes. If they’re ever unsure, encourage tossing you (or someone younger, who’s internet-savvy) a quick text or call.
Practice Together: Pick a Silly Story and Hunt for the Truth
I’ll often grab an outrageous headline and say, “Do you think this is real?” Then we dig around together and try to find another source. It sounds goofy, but it’s weirdly satisfying when you bust a fake story as a team. Before you know it, your parent or grandparent will spot awkward phrases themselves.
Recommend Trusted Sources
Gently nudge your loved ones to stick with sources that have a history of fact-checked reporting. NPR, AARP, and big-name outlets rarely let AI out unsupervised. AARP has a good guide on online safety worth bookmarking. It doesn't hurt to add a few of these to their browser’s favorites bar, either.
Helping your favorite senior avoid AI-written fluff and scams online isn’t foolproof, but it absolutely makes a difference. Plus, nothing beats sharing a laugh when you both spot that “news” story written by a very obvious robot. There’s just something fun about figuring things out together, and hey, a little bonding over internet mysteries isn’t so bad.
