Your AARP
AARP AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
We help you understand the promise and peril of the new technology
It seems as though just last year, few of us had much familiarity with artificial intelligence, but suddenly AI has become part of our daily conversations, with both hopeful and scary connotations.
AARP has worked hard to put AI in its proper context: as a tool to be used, as well as a potential hazard to be avoided. We’ve created ways to inform older Americans on the best uses of AI and the dangers to watch for. And we have established policies for how AARP will use AI to make sure to protect your interests.
“None of us are going to put the AI genie back in the bottle, so it’s imperative to understand what it is and how it’s going to change the way we work, live and play,” says Edward C. Baig, a tech writer for aarp.org who specializes in AI.
Here are some of the initiatives AARP has launched to help older adults get comfortable with AI.
▶︎ AARP created a landing spot on our website that will help people learn about AI. That site has videos, quizzes and articles to walk you through the latest developments. Some articles explore AI’s potential role in caregiving, mental health therapy, elections, job searches, travel planning and entertainment, while others touch on the ethical issues surrounding AI, such as how to talk to your kids and grandkids about appropriate use in the classroom. Learn more at aarp.org/ai.
▶︎ Senior Planet From AARP offers in-person and virtual classes to increase older adults’ AI literacy. Courses span a variety of topics, such as “Everyday Uses of AI” and “Intro to Chatting With AI.” Some will even teach you how to create your own AI-generated artistic images, and how to train your eye to identify such images. You can visit seniorplanet.org/ai to view online classes and consult the website for in-person course offerings at the closest Senior Planet center.
▶︎ AARP plans to publish a book on AI; details on how to get a copy will be in a future AARP Bulletin and at aarp.org/techbooks, where members can get 40 percent off.
▶︎ Not surprisingly, crooks have already figured out how to use AI in scams aimed at older people. We’ve published articles about AI fraud in the AARP Bulletin and will continue to write about it as scams emerge. If you think you’ve come across AI fraud, call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline toll-free at 877-908-3360. We’re also working with the News Literacy Project, a nonpartisan group dedicated to teaching people to recognize truth and to help older adults identify misinformation, disinformation and fraud.
As the technology evolves, AARP will help keep you informed, so you’re more likely to enjoy the promise while avoiding the perils of AI.
AARP SEEKS YOUR INPUT
Tell us what goals you think AARP should pursue to improve the lives of people as they age. Your input helps guide our efforts to influence lawmakers and regulators across the country. Send your ideas to policy@aarp.org.