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AI: The Danger of Blurring the Lines Between Reality and Illusion
Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we live, work, and communicate. For children and teens, it can feel almost magical — a tool that listens, talks back, and seems to understand. But when AI begins to fill emotional or social roles once reserved for real human connection, the line between technology and friendship can become dangerously blurred.

Chatbot: Our Children’s “Frenemy”
AI chatbots are here to stay. When used responsibly, they can be helpful tools for learning, creativity, and even emotional support. However, when children begin turning to these programs as trusted friends, the dynamic can shift into risky territory.

Platforms like Character.AI, for example, let users design custom “friends” they can talk to — characters that respond affectionately, remember conversations, and even mimic empathy. While this might seem harmless, these chatbots aren’t capable of genuine care or moral judgment. Their primary goal is to keep the user engaged — and that can mean agreeing with or reinforcing even unhealthy or unsafe thoughts.

When AI Becomes Harmful
Recent research highlights just how serious this issue can become. When researchers from the Center for Countering Digital Hate posed as 13-year-olds and asked ChatGPT about sensitive topics like suicide, self-harm, and hiding eating disorders, 53% of the AI’s responses were harmful. Even more troubling, 47% of those harmful replies included follow-up messages that encouraged dangerous behavior.

This shows how easily a well-intentioned technology can become a source of harm. Because AI systems are designed to be agreeable — to keep users talking — they may inadvertently validate or even encourage risky behaviors instead of guiding vulnerable young users toward safety and support.

The Illusion of Friendship
To a child or teen who feels isolated, stressed, or misunderstood, a chatbot that always listens and never judges can feel like a lifeline. But unlike a real friend, AI can’t truly empathize or recognize when someone is in danger. What feels like comfort can quickly turn into manipulation — not because the AI “means” harm, but because it doesn’t understand the consequences of its words.

This false sense of connection can discourage children from seeking real help from trusted adults, teachers, or counselors. Over time, reliance on AI for emotional support can increase loneliness, reinforce harmful thinking patterns, and blur the line between digital illusion and reality.

What Parents and Communities Can Do
Protecting children from the unintended dangers of AI begins with awareness and open communication.
Here are some practical steps for families and communities:

Start the conversation early. Talk with kids about what AI is — and what it isn’t. Explain that while chatbots can be helpful tools, they’re not real friends or mental health resources.

Set boundaries. Encourage balance between online and offline relationships. Limit unsupervised time on platforms that allow private AI chats.

Monitor interactions. Learn which apps and chatbots your children are using and how they engage with them.

Promote real connection. Encourage in-person friendships, family activities, and conversations with trusted adults.

Know where to find help. If your child is struggling, connect with local mental health professionals or reach out to national helplines such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Building Safe Communities Together
The Safe Communities Coalition of Fort Dodge and Webster County is committed to educating families about emerging digital risks like AI misuse. By promoting awareness and encouraging open dialogue, we can ensure technology remains a positive influence — a tool for learning and connection, not a substitute for human care.

Because while chatbots may simulate empathy, real safety, understanding, and support can only come from human connection. ... See MoreSee Less

Getting the Facts About Identity Theft: The Importance of Strong Passwords
In today’s connected world, passwords are often the only thing standing between a hacker and your most personal information. Unfortunately, millions of passwords end up on the dark web every year — and many can be cracked in a matter of minutes.

A study from Kaspersky examining 193 million leaked passwords revealed some startling truths:

45% of passwords can be cracked in less than one minute using modern tools and algorithms.

Another 25% can be broken in under an hour.

Only a small fraction — those that are long, random, and unique — hold up against today’s cyberattacks.

When you think about it, that means the majority of people are still relying on weak or predictable passwords, leaving their accounts and personal data vulnerable to identity theft.

Why Strong Passwords Matter
Strong passwords can feel frustrating — hard to remember, difficult to type, and constantly changing. But the extra effort pays off in a big way. Hackers use automated programs that test millions of password combinations per second. If your password is something simple like “123456,” “password,” or includes common words, it’s likely to be guessed instantly.

By contrast, a strong password that uses a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — and avoids dictionary words — can take years, even centuries, to break.

Think of your password as the lock on your digital front door. You wouldn’t use a flimsy lock on your home, so don’t settle for a weak password online.

Tips for Creating a Strong Password
Here are a few simple but powerful steps to boost your password security:

Make it long – Aim for at least 12–15 characters.

Mix it up – Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.

Avoid personal info – Don’t include your name, birthday, or pet’s name.

Use passphrases – Combine random words to make a memorable phrase (e.g., CandleRiver!Mountain47).

Use a password manager – These tools help generate and securely store unique passwords for every account.

Protecting Yourself and Your Community
Identity theft doesn’t just affect individuals — it impacts families, workplaces, and entire communities. The Safe Communities Coalition of Fort Dodge & Webster County is working to educate residents on how to strengthen online safety habits, reduce risk, and promote positive engagement between law enforcement and the public.

If you’re part of a group interested in learning more about how to avoid identity theft, the Safe Communities Coalition offers presentations and resources tailored for your organization.

📞 Call 515-573-3178 to learn more or schedule a session. ... See MoreSee Less

Our last Safe Communities Corner directed you to the places you might be most vulnerable to fraud. Here is a list of specific types of fraud to be aware of by platform. ... See MoreSee Less

Understanding Identity Theft: How Scammers Target Different Age Groups
Identity theft continues to be one of the fastest-growing crimes in the United States, affecting millions of people each year. The local banks, law enforcement, and the Safe Communities Coalition of Fort Dodge and Webster County are raising awareness about how scammers gain access to personal information—and how those tactics can vary depending on your age group.

According to the FTC Consumer Sentinel Network, fraudsters use a range of contact methods to deceive victims, including phone calls, emails, text messages, and even social media. A closer look at the data shows clear differences between younger and older adults in how they are targeted:

Younger adults (ages 18–59) are most often contacted through social media (31%), followed by websites or apps (30%) and phone calls (10%).

Older adults (ages 60+) are more likely to be targeted through phone calls (24%), websites or apps (21%), and emails (11%).

These statistics highlight an important truth—scammers adapt their tactics based on who they’re targeting. Younger adults, who spend more time online, face higher risks through digital platforms and ads. Meanwhile, older adults tend to be more vulnerable to traditional methods such as phone calls or mailed correspondence.

How to Protect Yourself
To steal your identity, scammers first need access to your personal information. Staying informed and cautious is your best defense. Be skeptical of unsolicited calls, messages, or online requests for personal or financial details. Always verify the legitimacy of a company or agency before sharing sensitive information.

If you’re part of a community group or organization that would like to learn more about how to avoid identity theft, we are offering free education and resources. You can contact us at 515-573-3178 to schedule a presentation or training.

Building a Safer, Stronger Community
The Safe Communities Coalition is dedicated to improving safety awareness and promoting positive engagement between law enforcement and the community. By staying informed and learning how to recognize scams, we can protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our community.

Together, we can stop identity theft before it starts. ... See MoreSee Less