Unveiling the World of Fake Videos: How They’re Created, Why They’re Shared, and How to Spot Them
A barrage of videos has taken over social media feeds following Hamas’ recent terrorist attack in Israel. Unfortunately, many of these clips aren’t what they seem at first glance. Some are completely fabricated, others have been modified to fit a specific narrative, and there are even misattributed videos that show unrelated events but are being connected to these specific atrocities.
This trend is not new. Over the past few years, especially during Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign and with advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) tools, social media users have been bombarded with misleading images that have influenced public opinion and political allegiances. Given the widespread impact of this issue, it’s crucial for us to learn how to assess the authenticity of the videos we come across and understand why they are being shared in the first place.
The Creation and Distribution of Fake Videos
There are different types of fake videos circulating on the internet today, including cheap fakes, deepfakes, and misattributed clips. Julie Smith, an instructor at the School of Communications at Webster University and author of “Master the Media: How Teaching Media Literacy Can Save Our Plugged-In World,” explains that a cheap fake is a doctored video that was originally genuine. These manipulated videos typically use existing media – photos, audio, or video – in novel and edited ways. For example, the infamous clip of a supposedly drunk Nancy Pelosi in 2020 was a cheap fake where the audio was slowed down to make her sound intoxicated.
Creating such clips requires simple editing techniques, such as cutting and altering context from interviews. Klara Tuličić, a social media and video marketing strategist, adds that deepfakes are entirely fabricated videos that use a person’s real voice and/or image. AI tools are commonly utilized to create deepfakes, and it can be done quickly and inexpensively. These deepfakes can be found on platforms like TikTok, where the @deeptomcruise page shares fake clips featuring Tom Cruise.
Additionally, misattributed videos pose a significant threat to political and social discourse. These videos are genuine but are used out of context to fit a specific narrative. For example, a heartbreaking video showing children in cages was recently circulating online, supposedly depicting Jewish kids being held captive in Gaza. However, the footage was actually from Syria. Misattributed videos are easily created by finding existing footage online and reframing it to support a particular agenda. The emotional impact of such videos often prevents immediate critical thinking from viewers.
Why Are Fake Videos Created?
There are various reasons behind the creation of fake videos, many of which appeal to psychological factors. Some individuals and outlets create these emotional videos to capture attention and generate financial benefits. Increased traffic and influence can be gained by posting falsities, creating a cycle of sharing fake content to gain even more traction. Some people may create fake videos as a form of sport, while others are motivated by political or ideological goals.
Interestingly, social media platforms currently face limited accountability for the spread of misinformation. Due to legal provisions like Section 230, these platforms are not legally required to take down videos that contain false information. This lack of legal consequences incentivizes the posting and hosting of misinformation online.
The Role of Social Media in Facilitating Fake Videos
The creation of fake content is problematic, but the viral distribution of misinformation is even more challenging to address. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter are primarily communities where individuals trust and rely on their friends and family’s opinions. When someone we trust shares a doctored video, it becomes difficult to disavow or question its authenticity. The tendency to connect with like-minded individuals in echo chambers amplifies these challenges.
Identifying Fake Videos on Social Media
To determine the authenticity of videos encountered on social media, questioning everything is the first rule. If a video elicits a strong emotional reaction, it may have been intentionally designed that way. It’s essential to trace the source of the video, not just the person who shared it, and evaluate their credibility by examining other posts on their profile.
For cheap fakes, look for visual inconsistencies, such as mismatched backgrounds or audio that doesn’t sync with lip movements. Identifying deepfakes is more challenging due to the advanced technology used, but lack of natural body movements and unusual facial expressions can be indicators. Misattributed videos can sometimes be verified using online programs like “Invid” from the Rand Corporation and Amnesty International, which confirm the origins of uploads. Alternatively, trust your emotional reaction – misattributed videos often play on negative emotions.
In an interconnected world where altered realities can be easily created and shared, the dangers of fake videos are significant. Technology’s rapid development makes it harder to combat this trend. However, by cultivating media literacy, questioning what we see, and critically evaluating sources, we can navigate the murky waters of social media and protect ourselves and others from falling victim to misinformation.
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