Seniors Grapple with Artificial Intelligence in Chicago Suburb Classroom

In a senior center classroom located in a Chicago suburb, a group of older adults, many of whom have witnessed significant technological advancements throughout their lives, are now grappling with the concept of artificial intelligence (AI). These seniors, with their wealth of life experience, are taking classes to understand the latest technological leap and its potential to transform their lives. However, they also express concerns about the authenticity of AI and its susceptibility to misuse.

Barbara Winston, an 89-year-old attendee of the class at the North Shore Senior Center in Northfield, shared her excitement, stating that she believes AI to be the greatest technical revolution she will witness in her lifetime. This sentiment is echoed by many older adults who recognize the benefits AI can bring, such as alleviating loneliness and facilitating medical appointments. However, they are also aware of the unique threats AI poses to their demographic.

Studies have shown that senior citizens are more vulnerable to scams perpetrated using AI and are more likely to believe misinformation amplified by the technology. Experts express particular concern about the role of deepfakes and AI-produced misinformation in politics. The potential for these videos to deceive voters, especially seniors, is a widespread concern. Additionally, AI-enabled voice-cloning technology has been used to trick seniors into falling victim to financial extortion schemes, resulting in an annual loss of $28.3 billion for Americans over 60, as reported by AARP.

To address these concerns, senior centers across the country have started offering AI classes to familiarize older adults with the technology’s potential benefits and encourage a healthy skepticism. Michael Gershbein, a 52-year-old instructor at the Northfield class, emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between skepticism and embracing technology. He aims to create a safe space where seniors can discuss their concerns and ask questions.

During Gershbein’s class, questions ranged from practical inquiries about AI’s impact on everyday life to more profound discussions on geopolitical implications. Deepfakes, in particular, were a topic of interest, with seniors expressing astonishment at the realism of these manipulated videos. The threats posed by AI extend beyond politics, encompassing misinformation on social media platforms and scams targeting seniors through voice-cloning technology.

The National Council on Aging, an organization advocating for seniors, has observed an increase in AI classes at senior centers in recent years. These courses aim to foster digital literacy and equip older Americans with the knowledge to discern truth from falsehoods. Dianne Stone, associate director at the National Council on Aging, emphasizes the importance of developing a healthy skepticism towards technology and encourages seniors to critically evaluate the information they encounter.