Think Before You Click: Protect Yourself from Online Fakes

Are you ready to become a digital detective? Imagine this: a picture of your friend gets shared in a group chat, but it’s been edited to make them look like they’re doing something embarrassing. Or maybe you see a video online that doesn’t quite feel right. Learning how to spot these sneaky fakes can help protect you and your friends, while keeping the internet a safe and fun place!

What’s a Deepfake?

Imagine a computer so clever it could take your face and put it in a movie, making it look like you’re the star, even if you were never there. Or think about a machine that could make a voice sound exactly like yours, saying things you’d never say. That’s kind of what deepfakes are like—they mix and match videos, pictures, and sounds to create something fake that looks or sounds very real.

Have you ever seen a video that looked real but seemed a little strange? Maybe it showed someone saying something they wouldn’t normally say, or doing something that didn’t feel right. Those tricky things are called deepfakes. They can be videos, pictures, or even sounds made by super-smart computers that mix and match real things to create something fake—but it looks or sounds real.

Sometimes, people use deepfakes to make funny videos, like putting someone’s face on a dancing cartoon. But other times, deepfakes are used to trick people. That’s why it’s important to learn how to tell what’s real and what’s not online!

How Can Deepfakes Affect You?

Imagine this:

• A picture of someone you know gets shared, but it shows them doing something they never actually did. Could that picture be fake?
• A song pops up that sounds like your favorite singer, but something feels a little off. Is it really their voice?
• You’re watching a video of your favorite superhero, but they’re saying things that sound strange or mean. Would they really say that?
• You get a call that sounds like your best friend, but they’re asking you to send them money. Would your friend really do that?

These examples show how deepfakes can be used to trick people. But don’t worry—there are ways to stay safe and smart online!

How to Spot a Fake

A Deepfake Image in Your Class WhatsApp Group

Imagine someone shares a picture in your class WhatsApp group that shows a friend doing something they would never do. How can you tell if it’s fake?

• Look Closely: Does the picture have strange lighting or blurry edges? Are there shadows or colors that don’t match?
• Think About It: Would your friend really do this? Does it seem out of character?
• What to Do: Don’t share the picture. Instead, ask a trusted adult or even talk to your friend about it to clear things up.

A Stranger in Online Gaming

Imagine you’re playing your favorite online game with friends, and suddenly someone joins who sounds like one of your friends but is acting strangely.

• Listen Carefully: Does their voice sound a little off, like it’s too robotic or doesn’t match their usual tone?
• Ask a Question Only Your Friend Would Know: Use a special question or code that you’ve shared before to confirm it’s really them.
• What to Do: If something feels wrong, stop talking to the person and tell an adult right away. You can also report the player in the game.

Want a tool to help you figure out if an image is fake? Try Winston AI’s Image Detector! It’s an easy way to upload pictures and check if they’ve been manipulated. Tools like this can help you stay one step ahead of tricky fakes.

Tips for Spotting Fakes

Here are some easy ways to figure out if something is real or fake:

1. Look Closely: Does the picture, video, or face look strange? Are there weird blurs, mismatched shadows, or lips and eyes that don’t move naturally?
2. Listen Carefully: Does the voice sound normal, or does it feel robotic, too fast, or too slow? Does it sound like something that person would really say?
3. Think About It: Is this something the person would really say or do? If it seems wrong, trust your gut.
4. Ask an Adult: If you’re not sure about something you see or hear online, always check with a trusted grown-up.

What Should You Do If You See Something Weird?

If you come across something online that feels strange or upsetting:

• Pause: Don’t share it or believe it right away.
• Show an Adult: A parent, teacher, or trusted adult can help you figure out what’s going on.
• Talk About It: Ask questions like, “Does this seem real?” or “Why would someone make a video like this?”

Staying Safe Online

Here are some simple rules to keep you safe:

• Be Careful What You Share: Don’t post videos or pictures online that could be used to trick others.
• Don’t Believe Everything You See: Just because it looks real doesn’t mean it is!
• Use a Secret Code: With your family, make up a special word or question only you know. If someone calls or messages you and seems odd, ask them the secret code to check if it’s really them.

Why Deepfakes Aren’t Always Bad

Did you know deepfake technology can be used for good things too? For example:

• Teachers can use it to make create learning videos.
• Scientists can use it to create cool simulations for experiments.
• It can help people who have lost their voices by creating realistic voice assistants.

Want to see how deepfake technology can be used creatively? Check out this interactive tool from Google Arts & Culture! It shows how technology can create amazing content while teaching us to think critically about what we see online.

Another great way to practice spotting fakes is by visiting Which Face Is Real. This fun and challenging game shows two faces side by side, and you guess which one is real. It’s a great way to sharpen your skills and learn just how tricky deepfakes can be.

When used responsibly, this technology can do amazing things. And by learning how to spot fakes, you can enjoy the good stuff without getting tricked by the bad.

How to Educate Your Parents on Deepfakes

Did you know you can help your parents stay safe online too? Here’s how to teach them about deepfakes:

1. Show Them What You’ve Learned: Share what you know about deepfakes, how they can look or sound real but aren’t. Use simple examples they can understand.
2. Explain Why It Matters: Let them know how deepfakes could trick anyone, even adults. Tell them about fake videos, pictures, or calls and how to spot them.
3. Watch for Fakes Together: Practice spotting fake content with your parents. Look at videos or pictures online and decide together if they’re real or not.
4. Share Safety Tips:
   Teach them the steps you’ve learned:

• Look closely at videos or pictures.
• Listen carefully to voices.
• Always pause and think before believing or sharing anything online.
• Use a family secret code for calls or messages.

By teaching your parents, you’re helping your whole family stay safe and smart online!

Your Mission

Now that you know about deepfakes, your job is to stay smart and safe online. Remember:

• Look closely.
• Listen carefully.
• Think before you believe.
• Always ask an adult if you’re unsure.

The internet is a fun and exciting place, and with these tips, you can explore it safely. You’ve got this!