An AI-generated image circulating online purporting to show a flooded street in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, after Hurricane Helene has been debunked by fact-checkers at USA Today. The image, which depicts a street submerged in floodwaters with buildings in the background, is not a real photo of the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Gatlinburg.
The fact-checkers at USA Today used reverse image search and found that the image in question was created using an AI model called Artbreeder, which blends and manipulates existing images to create new ones. The model allows users to input various parameters such as colors, textures, and shapes to generate realistic-looking images.
The debunked image has been widely shared on social media platforms and is accompanied by misleading captions claiming it shows the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Gatlinburg. However, there is no record of Hurricane Helene causing severe flooding in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
The spread of misinformation and fake images on social media platforms is a growing concern, especially during natural disasters when accurate information is crucial for public safety. Fact-checking organizations like USA Today play a vital role in debunking false information and ensuring that the public has access to reliable and truthful sources of information.
In conclusion, the image of a flooded street in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, after Hurricane Helene is not real and was actually created using an AI model. It is important for the public to be vigilant and verify the authenticity of images and information shared online, especially during times of crisis.
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