Three questions to spot a fake video
AI already imitates voices and faces. Teaching doubt is not about fear, it is a lifelong skill.
A video where someone famous says something they never said. A voice that sounds just like a relative asking for money. AI can do this today, and it keeps getting better. The answer is not fear, and not a ban, it is teaching how to pause and ask. Three questions are enough.
The three questions
- Where does it come from? A forwarded message with no source is worth less than a news outlet or an official account you can check.
- What does it want from me? If it rushes you, scares you, or asks for money or data right now, be suspicious: urgency is the favorite tool of a scam.
- Does anyone else say it? If it is true, you will find it somewhere else reliable. If it appears nowhere else, it is probably fake.
Practice it together with a real example from the news. It is not about fearing everything, it is about looking twice before you believe and share. That turns your child from a spectator into someone who thinks.
FAQ
At what age should I talk about deepfakes?
As soon as your child uses a phone or watches videos alone. No jargon needed: the idea that not everything that looks real is real, plus the three questions, is enough.
How do I check if a video is fake?
Look for the same story on a reliable source, see who posted it first, and be suspicious if it rushes you. When in doubt, do not share it.