We’re Not Talking Enough About Kids Creating Fake Porn of Each Other

It’s easier than ever to make nude deepfakes of people online, and now it’s happening to our children.

New info from Common Sense Media’s Youth AI Safety Institute shows nearly half of teens have seen sexual content they believe is AI-generated, and a quarter of this group admit some of the images were of themselves or someone they knew personally.

The survey, sourced from over 1,300 kids between 13 and 17, asked about different forms of pornography, including fake nudes and undressing apps. The data shows the age of first exposure, where it's being shared, and who's creating it. Yes, we have social media to thank for a bulk of it.

Teens are rightfully concerned, with some cutting back on what they post or locking down their accounts. Still, private profiles don't offer full protection. Like this story about two 14-year-old boys who created roughly 350 images of their classmates using school photos, yearbooks, social accounts, and FaceTime.

But with anything, parents' first line of defense is talking about it, and hitting the right tone is critical. But if you're prone to overreacting—like me—this list of conversation starters is a helpful reference. Parents can read the full survey here.

For more insight on kids, AI, and online safety, check out these resources:

@connectsafely
A non-profit that educates parents on privacy, security, and digital wellness.

@childrenandscreens
The Institute of Digital Media and Child Development’s Instagram page shares an abundance of information on how to raise children in the rise of AI, body image and media use, and tips for what parents should and shouldn’t share online.

@becyberwise
A learning hub for information on apps, games, and social networks targeted to kids. Their blog is great at keeping parents informed about digital habits among youth on a micro-level, like this post on the “myth” of porn search habits among children.