AI and Your Digital Footprint

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more mainstream and people become more aware of the impact it has on our lives, we will see rippling impacts on every area of our digital lives. This includes impacting your digital footprint– the trail of data and information that you leave on the internet– in both positive and negative ways. 

AI relies on data collection for fuel. As a result, the negative impacts of this technology are easy to see in their realm of digital privacy. AI’s data collection creates a digital profile of each individual that is appealing to good and bad actors alike. The threat from cyberhackers is a real concern and could lead to real life consequences that threaten people’s safety and livelihoods. Because AI technology gives cyberhackers a more complete picture of every individual, including their work, relationships, interests, and more, AI can help cyberhackers create phishing emails and other digital scams that are more convincing and more likely to be successful. 

However, while the potential of hacking into AI systems offers a better reward for cyber criminals, AI can also be used to create more robust protections around the data it collects. It can be used to predict threats and can more quickly detect anomalies that lead to data being compromised. 

Sharing the wrong information online can have massive consequences. In the age of artificial intelligence, that’s truer than ever before. But AI is a tool that can be used for both helpful and harmful outcomes. For the average person, it is important to consider what information you share on the internet and how it might be used. No matter what, that information will not go unnoticed by AI platforms. 

Thank you to Prime Time Palm Beach County for supporting our work to help our youth become engaged, educated digital citizens.