Recently, a particular type of account has emerged on certain short-video platforms: they feature ‘AI tycoons’ dressed in suits or uniforms. These virtual characters often use intimate terms of address such as ‘sister’ to express concern and longing, and may even make exaggerated gestures such as proposing marriage. Amidst a series of seemingly heartfelt interactions, some elderly people take them at face value; not only are their emotions affected, but they may also purchase goods recommended by these accounts, or even face the risk of being defrauded. Compared to past online phenomena, ‘AI tycoons’ are markedly different. In the past, so-called ‘scholars’ or ‘fake celebrities’ were at least operated by real people, albeit using someone else’s identity or image. ‘AI tycoons’, however, are entirely virtual characters generated by artificial intelligence and do not exist in real life. However, these virtual characters can, through their lifelike appearance and speech, lead some elderly people to mistakenly believe they are real people. Once trust is established on this ‘fictional’ basis, subsequent interactions and transactions become even more dangerous. Another notable feature of ‘AI tycoons’ is their ability to be replicated and operated on a massive scale. Compared to real people, AI can ‘serve’ a large number of users simultaneously, with its rate of spread and scope of influence growing exponentially. Some accounts will label themselves as “AI-generated”, but others will not. Even when labelled, some elderly users may not necessarily understand the implication. If “AI-generated” were to become a form of “disclaimer”, such behaviour could become even more covert, making regulation increasingly difficult. These accounts are commonly referred to as the ‘middle-aged and elderly market’ or the ‘silver-haired market’. There are even people who specialise in teaching others how to run such accounts, and a complete industrial chain has gradually emerged. This phenomenon is disturbing because it transforms the genuine emotions that should exist between people—care, respect and affection—into a ‘product’ that can be mass-produced. Emotions are mechanised and put on an assembly line, losing their original warmth. Essentially, this model is not entirely new. It simply combines traditional marketing tactics with AI technology: - Verify the authenticity of account information - Clearly label content as ‘AI-generated’ - Indicate whether the content contains fictional elements - Strengthen oversight of product quality and the accuracy of promotional claims For example, some accounts pin tutorials in the comments section, teaching older people how to make purchases. If family members were to patiently guide them through these basic skills, older people would not need to rely on these potentially high-risk channels. In the age of the internet and AI, older people can certainly engage with new technologies and participate in online life. However, when faced with a complex new environment, they are sometimes like children, needing guidance and assistance. Therefore, the younger generation can take on the role of ‘digital mentors’, just as our parents once guided us as we grew up. Compared to relying solely on technical restrictions, this support and companionship from family may well be the most effective and heart-warming form of protection.