Storm damage pictures too crazy to believe? How to know when it’s AI

Storm damage pictures too crazy to believe? How to know when it’s AI

Storm damage pictures too crazy to believe? How to know when it’s AI

https://www.wzzm13.com/article/news/local/storm-damage-pictures-how-to-know-when-its-ai/69-1d100003-aaee-4993-8f3c-b112248381b2

Publish Date: 2026-03-09 18:45:00

Source Domain: www.wzzm13.com

  • Artificial intelligence (AI) generated content is pervasive on social media, raising concerns about the authenticity of images shared online.
  • In the event of severe weather, such as the tornadoes in West Michigan that killed four people, images of storm damage often circulate, but not all of them may be genuine.
  • Dr. Len O’Kelly, Director of Grand Valley State University’s School of Communications, advises caution when consuming content from digital devices and platforms.
  • One critical example shared by O’Kelly showed a photo of the aftermath of a tornado featuring elements (like leaves on trees and boats) that do not correspond to the time of year the storm occurred.
  • O’Kelly highlights the need for skepticism and a habit of questioning and verifying the authenticity of information before consumption and sharing.
  • He expresses concern that AI content may desensitize people to real emergencies and could encourage dangerous behavior in storm chasing.
  • To combat misinformation, O’Kelly recommends doing reverse searches and thinking critically about the information rather than accepting it at face value.