• The Cottingley Fairies

• The Moon Landing Hoax

• Fake celebrity death reports

• The Loch Ness Monster photo

• “War of the Worlds” radio panic

• Viral fake news headlines

or choose a hoax you already know

- Most of the bones were from animals and the rest were fake

- Fake photos of giant skeletons were shared online, claiming they were real.

- The images came from a Photoshop contest.

- The hoax fooled many and showed how fake news spreads easily.

In this case, a video created using artificial intelligence technology went viral on social media. The video depicted Pope Francis in a completely fictional situation: supposedly "arriving in heaven." This visual representation must have seemed quite realistic to many viewers, as it used advanced deepfake technology to manipulate the Pope's image.

2. Who created or disseminated the hoax?

Although it is not specifically mentioned in the image who created the video, it was likely generated by someone with knowledge of generative AI technology or deepfakes.

The spread occurred primarily through social media platforms, where sensationalist content tends to propagate quickly. The creators must have known that content related to such a prominent figure as Pope Francis would generate immediate attention.

3. Who believed it? Why?

Many people less familiar with the current capabilities of AI technology could have believed in the authenticity of the video.

4. How was it discovered to be fake?

• Technical analysis that revealed visual inconsistencies typical of deepfakes

• Fact-checking by established media outlets

• Absence of official confirmation from the Vatican

• Technology experts who identified signs of digital manipulation

5. What were the consequences?

• It created confusion among many believers.

• It intensified the debate on the regulation of AI technologies.

• It increased public awareness about the dangers of deepfakes.

• It motivated social media platforms to improve their detection systems.

• It underscored the importance of media literacy in the digital age.