Claim:
A video compilation circulating online claims to show apocalyptic scenes from the Los Angeles wildfires, depicting fires ravaging the city and blackening the sky.
Fact:
False.
Evidence:
- Expert Analysis: Experts, including artificial intelligence researchers and computer science professors, have confirmed that the video was generated by AI. The signs of AI manipulation are evident in the video, such as warped power lines, flames merging with palm trees, inconsistent clouds, and unrealistic fire and smoke effects.
- Source of the Video: The earliest iteration of the video was published on Instagram on January 9, 2025, by an account using the hashtag “#aiart.” This account regularly posts AI-generated visuals. The video was also tagged with another account that shares AI art.
- Signs of AI Generation:
- AI Distortions: AI-generated videos often feature noticeable artifacts, such as distorted objects or inconsistencies in natural elements like smoke and fire.
- Unrealistic Effects: The video’s depiction of fire and smoke is overly dramatic and resembles special effects seen in movies, which is a common trait in AI-generated content.
Reactions:
- Expert Consensus: Researchers from institutions like RMIT University and the University of California, Berkeley, have confirmed that the video is AI-generated, citing the telltale signs of digital manipulation and flaws.
- Social Media Response: Despite the debunking, the video has continued to circulate on social media, with many users believing it to be a genuine representation of the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles.
Conclusion:
The video claiming to show apocalyptic scenes from the Los Angeles wildfires is a product of artificial intelligence, not real footage. While the video may seem convincing at first glance, experts have thoroughly debunked it as AI-generated content, emphasizing the importance of verifying such videos before sharing them.