How To Stay Safe With AI

Mike Klase
May 13
2 min read

Updated: May 16

Ask Questions

To build critical thinking, always question what you see online. Not everything is real—photos, videos, or headlines might be fake or misleading. Ask yourself if it makes sense, or if it could be trying to trick you. Check who posted it, because not all sources can be trusted. Some just want clicks, attention, or money, so their content can be biased or one-sided.

Before you believe or share anything, ask yourself:

Who made this and why?
Is there proof or just opinions?
Could this be fake, biased, or out of context?

Consent and Boundaries

Remember, you have control over your data. GenAI tools track what you type, share, click, or like, and you might not even know how it’s used. You can limit data collection by rejecting cookies on websites or using Apple’s App Tracking Transparency feature.

Also, if an AI companion starts feeling too personal, creepy, or pushy, trust yourself and log off. You don’t have to keep engaging.

Fake content, like deepfakes or edited photos, can hurt people—even if it’s not “real.” Just because AI can create it doesn’t mean it’s okay to use someone’s face or info without permission. There can even be legal consequences.

Digital Literacy

Being smart online isn’t just about using tech – it’s about using it safely and wisely.

Know how to find good info and double-check if it’s real. Be careful what you share – don’t post your address, phone number, or location.

Use strong passwords (a phrase works better than random letters), and don’t use the same one everywhere.

Not everything online is true – fake videos (deepfakes) and scam links are out there. If something feels off, don’t click it. Always think and fact-check before you believe or share stuff online.

Support Systems

GenAI is everywhere now—like in chatbots, digital assistants, search engines, and even apps like Snapchat. Snapchat’s AI Friend is used by millions of teens, but no matter how cool or helpful AI is, real-life relationships still matter most.

AI can trap you in your own bubble, making it hard to see other points of view. That’s why it’s important to stay connected to the real world.

Think of someone you trust—like a parent, teacher, sibling, or friend. If something online ever makes you feel weird, anxious, or confused, talk to them. They can help bring you back to what’s real.