AI, Deepfakes, and Raising Resilient Kids

In this episode of Doing Tech Right, Kerry Gallagher and Larry Magid explore how conversational AI can feel human, why that can be both useful and risky, and what it means for children, families, and educators.They discuss the importance of verifying AI-generated information, helping young people use AI to support rather than replace learning, and the growing concerns around AI deepfakes and “nudification,” especially targeting girls.Drawing on recent audience questions from a California event on women and girls’ online safety, they offer practical advice for parents, schools, and young people on responding to emerging risks while keeping the focus on resilience, media literacy, and informed, not fear-based, decisions. 00:00 Welcome to Doing Tech00:29 In Person Again01:19 Before AI Era01:46 Why AI Feels Human04:07 Verify Before You Trust06:18 Kids Using AI for School07:58 Smart Homework Examples09:35 Deepfakes Targeting Girls11:18 What Is Nudification13:22 If It Happens Tell Someone14:21 Building Trusted Adults Network15:23 From Deepfakes to Sextortion16:15 Sextortion First Steps16:30 You Are Not To Blame17:45 Law Enforcement Perspective18:59 School Response Playbook20:46 Handling The Classmate22:10 Accountability And Motives24:06 Talking About Deepfakes26:54 Parenting Without Fear28:46 Resilience And Wrap Up