This study investigates the perception of AI-generated synthetic media content as a vulnerability factor in complex socio-technical systems. It analyzes the differences in critical evaluation skills and trust levels between representative respondent groups (“digital natives” and “digital migrants”). An experiment based on a hybrid methodology employed a quantitative survey and qualitative thematic analysis for data processing. The results revealed statistically significant differences in content identification accuracy and systematized the key verification strategies used by participants. Correlation analysis established a moderate link between age, technology awareness, and the ability to recognize synthetic video. In conclusion, a vulnerability factor model was formulated, and directions for designing adaptive decision support systems and educational interventions aimed at enhancing digital resilience are proposed.