Social Media Flooded with Fake AI-Generated Photos of Total Solar Eclipse
In today’s digital age, artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly advanced, with the ability to imitate reality. From generating speeches to creating images of famous public figures, AI has infiltrated various aspects of our lives. It is no surprise, then, that even astronomical events like the recent total solar eclipse have fallen victim to the wave of deepfakes flooding social media.
One particularly captivating photo that circulated during the eclipse depicted the solar eclipse behind Toronto’s iconic CN Tower. At first glance, it seemed like a stroke of luck for the photographer to capture such a stunning moment. However, further investigation revealed that the photo was posted on Instagram before the eclipse even occurred in Toronto. The image was later confirmed to be AI-generated, but not before it was shared by numerous sources, including the official Facebook page of the Canadian Embassy in Vietnam.
But fake photos were not the only issue during the eclipse. Many news accounts on social networks were so eager to publish “breaking” news that they resorted to posting old videos and photos of previous eclipses, claiming they were recent. One such video, shot on a beach in Chile in 2019, went viral again due to creators falsely claiming it was from the April eclipse.
Another fake photo that caused skepticism among internet users portrayed the solar eclipse as seen from the International Space Station (ISS), with a disproportionately large moon. A Twitter user debunked both this photo and the CN Tower image, highlighting the prevalence of fake content surrounding the eclipse.
The dangers of fake content extended beyond just photos. The American Astronomical Society (AAS) warned people about the risks of using non-certified solar viewing glasses. Unidentified Chinese factories flooded the US market with counterfeit glasses bearing well-known American brands, putting people’s vision at risk. The AAS emphasized the importance of purchasing approved and safe glasses from trusted sources to ensure the protection of one’s eyesight.
Even AI itself contributed to the spread of fake news during the eclipse. Elon Musk’s AI, Grok, published a news story based on humorous comments made by users on X, Musk’s social network. The AI took these jokes literally, resulting in an article with the headline “Strange behavior of the Sun: Experts are confused,” claiming that the Sun had disappeared from the sky for a period of time. This incident highlighted the limitations of AI, as it still lacks critical thinking and humor.
In conclusion, the recent total solar eclipse became a breeding ground for fake AI-generated photos and news. It serves as a reminder to rely on trusted astronomical news portals to avoid falling for beautifully generated fairy tales. OrbitalToday, for example, is a reputable source that can provide accurate information amidst the sea of fakes. As technology continues to advance, it is crucial to remain vigilant and discerning in the face of increasingly sophisticated deepfakes and AI-generated content.
