Did you know your youth or teen’s next favorite social media platform might focus entirely on AI interactions Character.AI’s new social feed is turning private chats with AI personas into a public, TikTok or Instagram The content in your feed isn’t from real people, it’s entirely from AI generated characters. but with dynamic, evolving AI generated personalities. Emotions, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No Tech References: 1/ https://blog.character.ai/character-ai-launches-worlds-first-ai-native-social-feed

These images are then manipulated using AI deepfake tools  to “nudify” the teen. Update (February 2024): AI in Grooming and Luring With the rapid advancement of AI , we’re now seeing cappers use AI in every stage  of sextortion, including: Grooming Conversation scripts Voice and video generation Impersonation Deepfake “nudified” images Update (March 2025): AI-Generated Non-Consensual predators—and another reason why youth need guidance, not just protection . https://thewhitehatter.ca/blog/how-ai-video-tools-can-be-exploited-to-create-non-consensual-ai-generated-intimate-videos

Welcome to the new world of AI-generated influencers, computer-created avatars designed to look, act, According to “Influencer Marketing Hub”, (6) there are five main reasons AI influencers are becoming They ensure consistent branding Unlike humans, AI influencers don’t veer off-message. They are always available AI influencers don’t get tired, sick, or need to travel.   6/ https://influencermarketinghub.com/ai-influencers-instagram/

this topic: Alert for Parents, Caregivers, Educators, and Law Enforcement: Concerning Apps Utilizing AI thewhitehatter.ca/blog/alert-for-parents-caregivers-educators-and-law-enforcement-concerning-apps-utilizing-ai-pose-risks-to-youth-and-adults / Battling AI-Driven Deepfake Nudes Demands Swift Action, Collaboration, & A Change In The Selfied Culture / Deepfake technology allows the power of computer-based artificial intelligence (AI) to either: Morph that allow a user to digitally remove clothing from a picture and replace it with a very real-looking AI-generated

AI is no longer just a tool for providing information, it is now doing things for users through AI agents AI relationships offer none of that. Explain That AI Is a Tool, Not a Friend or Authority Youth and teens often experience AI as intelligent Watch for Emotional Over-Reliance on AI Companions If your youth or teen is turning to AI for emotional AI is not inherently bad.

After this series aired, it left many believing that online stranger predation was an epidemic. off "Remember Me" where possible. 8) Be Wary of Open Wi-Fi – Use a VPN Free Wi-Fi in cafés, hotels, airports

As parents and caregivers, our top priority is keeping our children safer in today’s onlife world. With growing concerns about the risks of technology and the internet, some advocate for delaying access until high school or even age 16. While this may seem like a protective measure, it can actually have unintended consequences that place youth and teens at greater risk. The delay approach to technology and the internet may have worked years ago before it became so ubiquitous. However, today, technology is an integral part of modern life. From education to social interaction, young people rely on the internet for communication, learning, and entertainment there is often no way in escaping it. While there are undeniable risks, such as exposure to harmful content, online predators, and cyberbullying to name a few, completely restricting access does not eliminate these dangers. Instead, it often pushes youth and teens toward unmonitored, unregulated digital spaces where they have little to no guidance or protection outside the home. When youth and teens are banned from using technology, social media, or engaging with digital platforms at home, they don’t stop being curious. Instead, they often seek out access elsewhere, whether through the use of a burner phone, a friend’s device, a public library’s access to the internet, public Wi-Fi, or hidden accounts. These unsupervised spaces lack the parental and caregiver oversight and security settings that could otherwise help mitigate risks. Without guidance, children are left to navigate the online world alone, increasing their exposure to potentially harmful content and situations. Rather than delaying access until a certain age, a more effective approach is to teach youth and teens how to use technology responsibly, something we call a “pave the way” approach to technology and the internet. Digital literacy is essential, and it involves several key aspects. First, youth and teens need to understand privacy settings and how to protect their personal data. Many young users do not realize the long-term consequences of oversharing information online. By teaching them early, parents and caregivers can help instil habits that promote online safety. Additionally, recognizing online risks such as scams, predators, and misinformation is critical. The internet is filled with deceptive content, especially today with the increased us of artificial intelligence, and without proper guidance, children may fall victim to online manipulation, predation, exploitation or fraud. Teaching them how to identify red flags and verify sources equips them with the skills to make safer decisions. Safer and respectful communication is another cornerstone of digital literacy. Youth and teens need to understand the importance of positive interactions online and the potential consequences of cyberbullying, harassment, or inappropriate messaging. Open discussions about responsible behaviour can help prevent negative experiences and promote a culture of kindness. Equally important is ensuring that youth and teens know where to go for help if they encounter problems online. Whether it’s reporting inappropriate content, blocking harmful users, or reaching out to a trusted adult, kids should feel empowered to take action when needed. A safer and more effective strategy for introducing technology involves several proactive steps. Early guidance is crucial and introducing age and developmentally appropriate technology under parental or caregiver supervision allows youth and  teens to develop safer online habits. This hands-on approach helps them learn how to navigate digital spaces while still having the support and oversight of a caregiver - a “pave the way” approach rather than a “delay is the way” approach. Open communication within the home plays a vital role in digital safety. Children should feel comfortable discussing their online experiences, asking questions, and seeking help without fear of punishment. When youth and teens are afraid of strict consequences, they are less likely to disclose potential issues, which can increase their vulnerability - something we can attest to anecdotally with the hundreds of teens that have reached out to us for help rather than their parent or caregiver. Yes, parental controls and boundaries are useful tools but should not replace active parenting. Setting clear expectations about screen use, appropriate online behaviour, and the types of content that are acceptable can provide structure while still allowing youth and teens to explore technology safely. However, these strategies work best when combined with open discussions about their purpose rather than being used as rigid restrictions. Leading by example is one of the most effective ways to teach responsible digital habits. Children observe how adults engage with technology, so demonstrating mindful social media use, digital etiquette, and balanced screen time can encourage them to adopt similar behaviours. We acknowledge that technology and the internet come with risks. However, completely restricting youth and teens from using them until the age of 16, or until high school, doesn’t necessarily make them safer. Instead, it can drive our kids toward unmonitored and less secure environments outside the home where protective measures are non-existent.  By guiding and mentoring youth and teens through responsible digital use from an early age, we can help them develop the critical thinking and digital literacy skills they need to navigate the onlife world confidently and securely and build agency in their use of technology. The goal is not to shield children from technology but to equip them with the knowledge and tools to use it wisely in an age and developmentally appropriate way. This is why we created our free web book for parents, “Parenting in an Online World” (1) , and offer over 500 free articles like this one on our blog (2) and how-to guides (3) pages on our website to help parents, caregivers, and educators with the information you need to stay informed.  Related Article Digital Food For Thought The White Hatter Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Emotions, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No Tech Resources: 1/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/online-parenting-book/ 2/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/blog/ 3/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/articles-guides/

Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized many aspects of modern life, offering incredible benefits Here at The White Hatter, we’ve seen firsthand how AI is being weaponized to exploit youth in alarming Deepfake technology allows users to create hyper-realistic but entirely fake images or videos by using AI AI-Based Companionship Apps That Enable Inappropriate Interactions AI-powered companionship apps, designed If your child falls victim to AI-driven exploitation, act swiftly.

Can they recognize when AI-generated content is subtly altering their perception of reality? Similarly, consider the example of AI-powered writing tools. If a student relies solely on Google or AI for quick solutions, they may not develop the perseverance

following question we received from one of our social media followers: “Do you guys discuss elections and AI From AI-generated deepfakes to weaponized private chat groups, Canadians are navigating a disinformation actors in our cyber and information space in the next federal election cycle, especially with the use of AI-generated This vacuum has since been filled with questionable content, memes disguised as news, and AI-generated think critically about how information is crafted, shared, and received online. (7) Understanding AI's

More specifically, they’re getting fed up with what some now call “AI slop”, a term used to describe It is not that all AI generated content is a problem. Many youth and teens use AI tools themselves, from editing videos, writing code, to using AI to search Although, teens are telling us that their “for you feed” is also becoming an AI slop quagmire.  Reduced Exposure to AI-Generated Content (“AI Slop”) In private spaces, especially those that are invite-only

Recruiters themselves have admitted struggling to keep up with AI-generated applications, while job seekers Amidst this AI slop, one factor continues to cut through the noise: personal connections. That single referral bypassed the AI-driven funnel entirely. Deepfakes and impostors: The brave new world of AI jobseeking . The Week. https://theweek.com/tech/deepfakes-and-impostors-the-brave-new-world-of-ai-jobseeking [10]