AI, Trust, and Truth: Navigating Deepfakes, Misinformation, and Scams

In this lecture, Dr. Altounian turns to a critical question that is emerging: as AI-generated text, images, video, and voice become indistinguishable from the real thing, how do we know what to trust?

 Drawing on the latest data—including the $4.9 billion lost by adults age 60 and older to fraud in 2024 alone—this session explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is making scams more convincing than ever. Learn how scammers use AI to imitate the voices of loved ones, create realistic fake photos and videos, and carry out romance and investment scams. You'll also discover practical ways to protect yourself, including family verification codes and a four-step framework for evaluating information online. These strategies don't depend on being able to spot an AI fake by sight. No technical background is required.

David Altounian, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship at Salve Regina. David was the CEO and co-founder of Motion Computing and has over 35 years of leading marketing and operations organizations with companies including Dell, Motorola, Compaq and Ashton-Tate. He is the co-author of the book, “Winning with Strategic Marketing: Driving Success for Startups and Small Businesses.” He is a partner at the Capital Factory, an entrepreneurial hub in Austin, Texas, and is on the board of RIHub and the Clemson Management Department Advisory Board. David earned his Ph.D. at Oklahoma State University and his M.B.A. at Northwestern University.