Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the world, and for those of us who have followed this digital transformation from the beginning, it might seem natural. But for the older generation, who watched the world change at a slower pace for decades, this avalanche of technological novelties can be as impressive as… a cat playing the piano! And speaking of which…
Dona Zulmira, a lovely 82-year-old woman with unwavering faith, was Browse on her tablet (with her granddaughter’s insistent help to avoid clicking on suspicious ads). Suddenly, a video started playing automatically on her Facebook feed. The scene was, to say the least, unusual: a fluffy Persian cat, elegantly positioned before a miniature grand piano, was tickling the ivories with surprising dexterity. The melody, though somewhat chaotic, vaguely resembled a classic tune. Dona Zulmira’s eyes widened, she brought a hand to her chest, and exclaimed to her granddaughter in the kitchen:
Dona Zulmira: “My goodness, Ana! Come see this! A cat… a cat playing the piano! Just look at what God can do!”
Her granddaughter, Ana, a university student with an eye already trained for internet oddities, ran to see the video. After a few seconds, she couldn’t hold back her laughter.
Ana: “Grandma, this isn’t real! It’s Artificial Intelligence.”
Dona Zulmira: “Artificial what? Oh, Ana, what a sin! To doubt God’s miracles like that! Just look at the perfection of nature!”
Ana: “I swear, Grandma! It’s a computer program that makes it look like the cat is playing. It’s not a real cat doing it.”
Dona Zulmira (with a hint of disappointment): “A computer program? Ah, these modern things… taking the beauty out of the world!”
This small anecdote perfectly illustrates the difficulty many older people face in distinguishing reality from fiction in the age of AI. If a simple video of a feline pianist can be mistaken for a divine manifestation, imagine the impact of more complex and potentially dangerous information generated by artificial intelligence.
Faith in a Digitally Manipulated World
Dona Zulmira’s confusion also leads us to an interesting reflection on faith and the perception of reality in a world increasingly mediated by algorithms. For many people with strong religious beliefs, inexplicable events have always been seen as divine signs or miracles. AI, with its ability to create the implausible with perfection, further blurs this fine line between what is God’s work and what is man’s (or in this case, the machine’s).
If an image of a saint crying tears of blood goes viral on social media, how can one discern if it’s a genuine manifestation of faith, a photo manipulation, or a sophisticated AI creation? If a religious leader appears in a video uttering words of hate or inciting violence, how can one know if it’s their real voice and opinion, or a malicious deepfake?
Familiarity with digital technologies often acts as a filter, a healthy layer of skepticism that leads us to question the veracity of what we see online. But for those who lack this “digital intuition,” credulity can be easily exploited.
“Blessed” Scams and AI-Powered Fake News
AI isn’t just generating videos of musical cats. It’s also being used to refine online scams and spread fake news with alarming precision. Messages offering miracle cures, promotions for religious products with incredibly convincing “before and after” photos, or even false testimonials from well-known religious figures can circulate with great speed, preying on people’s faith and hope.
Remember Dona Maria and the “robot” pressure cookers? Well, imagine if the message came with a photo of a well-known priest from the community, “endorsing” the promotion and guaranteeing the quality of the products. For Dona Maria, who trusts the religious figure, the chance of falling for the scam would be much higher.
Cognitive Difficulty and the Learning Curve
It is important to recognize that the difficulty in understanding and discerning AI is not just about a lack of familiarity with technology. The natural aging process can bring cognitive changes that make it more challenging to learn new concepts and adapt to constantly evolving digital environments. The ability to process complex information, identify subtle patterns, and maintain a critical sense in the face of manipulative content can decrease with age.
This doesn’t mean that older people are incapable of learning, but rather that the learning process may be slower and require different pedagogical approaches, with more patience, repetition, and practical examples relevant to their lives.
A New Type of Illiteracy: AI Illiteracy
Just as traditional illiteracy in other eras prevented access to information and full participation in society, today we are witnessing the emergence of a new type of illiteracy: the inability to understand the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence and to interact with it safely and consciously.
For the elderly population, this form of illiteracy can have serious consequences, making them more vulnerable to financial fraud, health-related disinformation, and political manipulation. The digital divide, which was already a reality for many, is further exacerbated by the growing sophistication of AI.
Building Bridges of Understanding: The Role of Family and Community
The responsibility of helping older people navigate this new digital world does not fall solely on them. It is a collective effort that involves family, friends, the community, and even religious institutions.
- Grandchildren and Children as Digital Tutors: Just as Ana explained the cat video to Dona Zulmira, young people can play a crucial role by sharing their knowledge about AI in a didactic and accessible way.
- Community Workshops: Organizing in-person meetings where basic AI concepts can be explained, practical examples shown, and online safety tips taught can be very effective.
- Clear Language and Adaptation: When communicating information about AI, it is essential to use simple language, avoid technical jargon, and adapt the explanation to the reality and interests of the older audience.
- The Role of Religious Leaders: Religious leaders can address the topic of AI in their communities, offering guidance on how to discern reliable information and warning about the risks of scams and fake news, using language that resonates with the faith of their followers.
Conclusion: Faith, Technology, and Discernment in the AI Era
The story of Dona Zulmira and the piano-playing cat, while humorous, reminds us of a serious challenge: the growing difficulty for older people to distinguish reality from fiction in a world increasingly influenced by Artificial Intelligence. The confusion extends from simple admiration for an unusual video to potential vulnerability in the face of false information and sophisticated scams, even exploiting faith and religious beliefs.
Building bridges of understanding between generations, promoting digital literacy, and offering support and guidance are essential steps to ensure that AI is a force for good for everyone, regardless of age. And who knows, one day, Dona Zulmira will not only understand how the cat video was made but may also be able to use AI to connect with her grandchildren in even more creative and exciting ways—always with a critical eye and a heart full of faith, but also of digital discernment. 😂👵🤖🙏✨
