What Parents Need to Know About the ‘AI Homeless Man’ Prank
Police warn about the viral “AI homeless man prank.” Learn how to talk to kids about AI trends, empathy & online safety.
If your kids have ever repeated something strange they picked up online, you know how quickly internet culture moves. A viral “AI homeless man prank” is making headlines and alarming police in the US, the UK, and even China.
In this trend, teens use AI image generators to fake an intruder inside their home, send it to family members, and record their reactions, all for a bit of social media attention and shares. However, what they see as harmless fun can quickly spiral into panic, police involvement, and even criminal charges.
The prank typically involves a teenager generating a realistic AI photo or video showing a man, often described as “homeless,” appearing inside their home (kitchen, living room, hallway, or bedroom).
Author's summary: Parents should be aware of the "AI homeless man prank" trend.