A widely shared image of a house untouched by wildfires is actually AI-generated, misleading many on social media.
Southern California: So, there’s this viral image going around of a house with a red roof that looks perfectly fine while everything around it is burned to a crisp. It’s been shared like crazy, but guess what? It’s not real. It was made using Google’s AI tool.
The wildfires in the area have been devastating, taking lives and destroying thousands of homes. The Palisades fire alone has burned nearly 24,000 acres, making it a record-breaking wildfire in Los Angeles.
People have been posting dramatic images and videos since the fires started. One image, in particular, shows that house with the red roof, and it’s been viewed millions of times. But it’s all fake, created by AI.
Google’s AI tool even adds a watermark to show that it’s not a real photo. When you search for it, Google will label it as AI-generated. They’ve got a reverse image search tool that can help you figure this stuff out.
Now, while that image is fake, there is a real photo of a home standing next to burned structures. An architect named Greg Chasen took that picture, and he confirmed it’s legit. He shared how the house survived thanks to its design and landscaping.
Chasen was surprised his photo went viral, especially since it was his first time posting on social media. He’s glad it’s sparked a conversation about what really helps homes survive wildfires, instead of spreading fake images that confuse people.
So, if you see those wild images online, just remember to double-check. There’s a lot of misinformation out there, and it’s important to know what’s real and what’s not.
