With AI slop reaching every corner of the internet from kids’ YouTube videos to teacher curriculum, people of all ages are exposed to AI-generated content regularly. The problem arises when people can’t detect what is genuine from what is altered or made up by AI. As AI tools become more advanced, making this distinction can be difficult for kids as well as grownups.
As soon as kids have access to screens and digital devices, they will need to be armed with media literacy skills, including AI literacy. Most adults, too, could benefit from better digital literacy training, especially when it comes to AI deepfakes. Interactive games can be a great way to pick up useful tips and start some ongoing family conversations that remind you all to keep up the critical thinking.
If you want to brush up on some basics first, start with this What Is AI? A Guide for Parents video by Common Sense Education to get a helpful primer on artificial intelligence and how it works. Otherwise, jump into one of the educational games, quizzes, or videos below to get the conversation started in your family!
Games and quizzes to hone your AI-spotting skills
Two Truths & AI game
Two Truths & AI is an online game by Common Sense Media designed to help kids from ages 5 to 18 get better at detecting AI-generated and AI-altered images. After choosing your difficulty level and age range, the game shows you a set of three movie posters, and you have to look for clues such as nonsensical words or strange images. If the game is too advanced or fast-moving, turn off the timer and switch it to easy mode. Then, you can take the time to discuss the images together with your child.
Real or AI quiz
Real or AI Quiz: Can You Tell the Difference?, made by Britannica Education, is a simple side-by-side comparison of images in different categories (nature, history, etc.). After you choose which image you think is real, you’ll get detailed tips on how to detect some of the typical characteristics of AI-generated images.
Fake or Real game
Fake or Real is another online game made by the French trivia and gaming website Zikof, and it has a similar premise. Choose your level and game mode, and the game will show you images (portraits, art, food pictures, and more) for you to guess whether they’re AI-generated or real. Keep the game mode on Classic if you want to slow down and discuss what you notice with your child. Note that the game is not specifically designed for kids, but you can preview it to decide if it is appropriate for your child.
Detect Fakes research study (for grownups)
Detect Fakes is an experiment by Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. Because it is a research study, it is only intended for participants age 18 and older. Adults who participate are asked to go through a series of 25 images and guess whether they are real or fake, while recording how confident they are about each choice.
For audio deepfakes, the Same Person or Not research study (also for participants age 18 and older) tests your ability to notice AI manipulation while listening to voices.
More videos and games that teach critical thinking about AI content
AI Puzzlers game
AI Puzzlers is a game developed by University of Washington researchers where people can compete against AI. First, you solve seemingly simple reasoning puzzles by following the colored patterns on the screen. Then, you can test the AI model to see if it can solve the same puzzle. Often, a problem that kids find relatively easy will completely stump the AI tool, because these types of abstract reasoning puzzles are usually difficult for computers. This activity can motivate kids to want to use their own brains more!
Talking to Kids About AI video
Talking to Kids About AI: Privacy, Fairness, and Responsibility, a video by Common Sense Education, explains in simple terms some of the drawbacks of AI algorithms and chatbots. It includes details such as why your information isn’t private when using AI tools, and why AI responses can be wrong. The video also provides helpful lists of questions to talk through with your kids.
