Etna Eruption Videos Real Despite AI Doubts

Etna Eruption Sparks Online Authenticity Debate

Mount Etna's latest eruption on June 2nd, though well documented, has become a subject of online debate regarding the authenticity of the footage. Many internet users are questioning how real the captured scenes truly are.

Viral Tourist Videos Under Scrutiny Are They Real

Videos showing tourists hurrying down Mount Etna quickly went viral and were shared by mainstream media. Despite this, some online users have asserted that this footage is not genuine but actually generated by artificial intelligence. A number of individuals have even consulted Grok, the chatbot on the X platform, to determine if the videos are authentic.

The Verdict Authentic Footage Confirmed

The footage in question is, in fact, authentic. Corroborating this, a video filmed by the Associated Press clearly shows people scurrying down Mount Etna during the event.

The Growing Shadow of AI Over Real Content

However, the incident highlights a significant contemporary issue: as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly sophisticated, its ability to produce content that is nearly indistinguishable from real life imagery also rises. This development has led to a growing number of online users becoming suspicious of extraordinary yet authentic footage, largely due to the high prevalence of AI generated content found online.

This skepticism is widespread. In a recent survey conducted by Adobe, nearly three quarters of respondents indicated they had questioned the authenticity of photos and videos from reputable news sites. This doubt stems from the sheer amount of misinformation that circulates online.

Misleading Imagery The Case of the 2015 Mushroom Cloud

Another piece of content that gained significant traction online shows Mount Etna erupting into a distinctive white mushroom cloud. A Facebook post of this image, shared by an account named Travel Wonders on June 2nd, garnered more than 72,000 likes, suggesting widespread belief in its connection to the recent eruption.

However, a reverse image search conducted by EuroVerify revealed that this image matches other photographs taken in 2015, from a vantage point just metres away from the same spot. The original image has also been featured in multiple academic reports, which confirm that the photo dates back to December 4, 2015. Therefore, it has no connection to the latest eruption on June 2nd.