From video calls with family to online banking and telehealth appointments, digital tools are woven into daily life in ways that would have seemed unimaginable a decade ago. That evolution is especially evident in the rise of AI.
Generative AI tools are increasingly being used by older adults to learn new skills, get quick answers, and solve everyday problems. According to Cox Mobile’s Online Safety Survey, 42% of seniors who use generative AI say they turn to it specifically to learn new things or figure something out.
That curiosity and willingness to engage with emerging technology are encouraging, but it also highlights an important reality:AI literacy is becoming a core component of digital safety.
AI Presents Risk and Opportunity
AI can be a powerful ally for older adults. It can help explain complex topics, provide step- by-step guidance for unfamiliar tasks, and support lifelong learning. Used well, it has the potential to enhance confidence and independence. But AI tools don’t always get things right.
Unlike traditional search engines, generative AI often presents information with a high degree of confidence, even when the content is incomplete, misleading, or incorrect. For users who may already be navigating an increasingly complex digital landscape, that confidence can make it tougher to know when to question what they’re seeing.
Cox Mobile’s survey data underscores this risk. Nearly one in three seniors (32%) report experiencing misinformation or disinformation in the past 12 months, a reminder that false or misleading content isn’t limited to social media feeds or email scams. AI-generated responses can amplify those same risks if users aren’t equipped to evaluate them critically.
These risks extend beyond just seniors. Nearly a third of the “sandwich generation,” adults in their late 30s through 50s who are juggling careers, children at home, and aging parents, have also faced misinformation or disinformation in the past 12 months, illustrating that this risk spans age groups and life stages.
Misinformation Awareness Starts with Knowing the Red Flags
One of the most important elements of AI literacy is learning how to recognize when something doesn’t quite add up.
Seniors benefit from knowing a few common warning signs, such as answers that sound overly definitive on complex topics, references to sources that don’t exist, or emotionally charged language designed to push users toward quick decisions.
And beyond misinformation, scammers are increasingly using AI to dupe older adults – needing only a few images or a short clip of someone’s voice to impersonate a loved one or other trusted contact.
These risks are especially prevalent in everyday activities like online shopping, where 73% of seniors identify it as one of their greatest online safety concerns. Today, the online retail environment is increasingly shaped by AI-generated reviews, fake storefronts, and impersonated customer support.
That’s why it’s critical to slow down and verify before acting – especially when an AI-generated message or response involves sensitive areas like health, finances, or personal data. Whether it’s a confident-sounding answer about a medical condition or an urgent request that appears to come from a loved one, the safest next step is to confirm it through a trusted, independent channel.
If something feels even slightly off, don’t take it at face value. Never rely on the contact information provided in a message itself. Go to the company’s official website and use the details listed there to call and confirm legitimacy.
By making verification a digital safety habit, similar to how we treat strong passwords and privacy settings, older adults can feel more empowered to reap the benefits of AI without putting themselves at unnecessary risk.
How Cox Supports Safer Digital Experiences
As a provider of trusted connectivity, Cox believes digital safety must evolve alongside the technologies people use every day. That includes recognizing AI literacy as an extension of online safety.
Through ongoing research like the Cox Mobile Online Safety Survey, Cox continues to identify emerging risks and opportunities, helping shape resources that support safer, more confident technology use across every stage of life.
“No one should feel left behind as technology changes,” said Sam Attisha, senior vice president, West Region for Cox Communications. “By helping older adults understand not just how to use AI, but when to question it, we’re supporting independence while reinforcing smart digital safety habits.”
To learn more about digital safety resources and ongoing research, visit www.cox.com/mobilesafety.
This article was written by Kirsten McLaughlin, Market Vice President at Cox Communications.
