Before reading the B.C. Post-Secondary Digital Literacy Framework and BC’s Digital Literacy Framework, I had never encountered the term “Digital Literacy.” However, after going through these documents, I realized that I have been unconsciously following the principles of digital literacy all along—especially in how I use electronic software, evaluate information, and troubleshoot technical issues.

That said, many people, including my parents, still struggle to use digital technology effectively. The generational gap in technological proficiency has made it difficult for older individuals to navigate the digital world, leaving them more vulnerable to misinformation and scams.

Online Scams & The Importance of Information Evaluation in the AI Era

One of the most thought-provoking parts of these frameworks was the discussion on evaluating the authenticity of information. I can’t recall exactly which document mentioned it, but it reminded me of a real-life experience with my mother—she was once scammed online.

This might seem a bit off-topic, but I strongly believe that online scams should be considered an essential part of digital literacy. As AI technology advances, scams are becoming more sophisticated, and people’s ability to evaluate and verify information needs to keep up with the evolution of these fraud tactics.

AI-Driven Online Scams: The Rising Need for Information Evaluation

Nowadays, scam tactics have gone beyond traditional phone calls and phishing emails. AI has made scams far more convincing and difficult to detect. Some examples include:

• Voice Cloning Scams: Scammers can record a small sample of someone’s voice and use AI to mimic it, tricking family members into believing they are talking to their loved one.
  How to prevent it: Avoid answering unknown phone calls, especially those that seem to ask you to repeat certain phrases or provide personal details.
• Deepfake Video Scams: AI-generated videos can impersonate a relative, a boss, or even a public figure, leading victims to believe they are being contacted by someone they trust.
  How to prevent it: Verify authenticity through multiple channels, such as requesting a real-time video call or confirming details that AI-generated videos cannot produce in real-time.
• AI-Powered Phishing Emails: AI can generate highly convincing phishing emails that look like they come from official institutions (banks, employers, or even governments).
  How to prevent it: Never click on links in unsolicited emails—always go directly to the official website to verify information.

Have you or your friends ever encountered an online scam? How did you handle it?