Americans lost a record $12.5 billion to online crime in 2023, and Canadians lost $567 million in that same year. Scammers are now using generative AI to create increasingly sophisticated fraud tactics, leaving older adults and underrepresented groups more vulnerable than ever.
I spent time visiting snowbird communities across Arizona to talk about how AI is impacting daily life. We didn’t meet in a boardroom or over a webinar—we gathered around coffee tables, bingo halls, and community centers. These weren’t formal workshops. They were real conversations, filled with questions, laughter, and stories.
There is something powerful about meeting people where they are—literally. In these warm, welcoming spaces, people opened up about times they fell for scams, asked thoughtful questions about tools they didn’t understand, and shared how AI could actually help improve their day-to-day routines—from identifying spam calls to using voice assistants more confidently.
These conversations helped destigmatize the embarrassment often associated with being tricked online. And they made clear just how vital it is to create safe, supportive environments where older adults can explore this new tech without judgment.
Reflecting on those experiences, one thing is clear: we have a long way to go when it comes to AI literacy in our own backyards. The communities most at risk are too often left out of the conversation—and they’re the ones who stand to benefit most.
If you’re passionate about making AI education more inclusive and accessible, reach out through the contact information on our https://www.seniorsafetywatch.org/contact-us/.
Stay safe,
Stacey
#AILiteracy #DigitalInclusion #CommunityEducation
