The Spread of Fake and Edited Images on Social Media: The Case of Viral Post Following the India-Pakistan Attack

The internet has revolutionized the way we consume and share information. However, with this revolution comes a host of issues, most notably the spread of fake and edited images, which can often go viral without anyone being able to track down the original source. Recently, a video related to an India air strike back to Pakistan following the Pulwama attack was circulated widely on social media, exemplifying the problems surrounding the spread of misinformation through edited and fake images.

The Viral Spread of the India-Pakistan Attack Video

The recent events following the Pulwama attack in India raised the hackles of many Indians who took to social media en masse. One video in particular, depicting the aftermath of an air strike by India back into Pakistan, gained massive traction. Millions of people posted it without questioning the authenticity, contributing to its viral status.

Reasons Behind the Viral Spread

There are generally two primary reasons why an image or video gets viral on social media:

1. The Right Brand Posting It

Major companies or influential figures may post content that aligns with their brand or agenda. For instance, a video of Rahul Gandhi being edited to express certain sentiments might go viral because it resonates with the audience and the timing is opportune. Similarly, the India-Pakistan attack video went viral as a result of the right timing and the emotional resonance with the public.

2. The Right Time with Right Emotion

The alignment between the event and the public sentiment plays a crucial role. When the post matches the audience's emotions and the timing is perfect, the content becomes more believable, leading to higher engagement. In the case of the India-Pakistan conflict, the video matched the rage and patriotism of many on social media, prompting widespread sharing.

Why Original Sources Are Hard to Find

The viral nature of these images or videos makes it difficult to trace back to the original source for several reasons:

1. Editing and Manipulation

With the advent of advanced editing tools, it's easier than ever to manipulate images and videos. Users may take an original source, edit it, and then post it to create a misleading narrative. This edited content can then spread rapidly without the public suspecting the truth.

2. Lack of Fact-Checking

Many people share content without verifying its authenticity, driven by emotions or a desire to support a cause. This lack of critical thinking allows fake or edited content to propagate unchecked.

3. Social Media Echo Chambers

Users often find themselves in echo chambers on social media, where they are more likely to see and share content that aligns with their beliefs. This can further hinder the ability to find the original source, as users may only encounter posts that have already been shared multiple times.

Conclusion

The spread of fake and edited images on social media is a significant issue, exemplified by the recent India-Pakistan conflict video. While major brands and timely emotional appeals can contribute to the viral spread of content, the ease of editing and the lack of fact-checking allow these images to go viral without being connected to the original source. Efforts to combat this issue include promoting digital literacy, fact-checking before sharing, and fostering a culture of critical thinking on social media.