AI videos of animals could be dangerous. Here’s how to spot them.
In an age where social media dominates our daily lives, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought about remarkable advancements in video generation, leading to a concerning trend: the creation of hyper-realistic animal videos that blur the lines between fact and fiction. A recent study published in *Conservation Biology* highlights the potential dangers of this phenomenon, particularly in how it affects public perceptions of wildlife and conservation efforts. Researchers from the University of Córdoba investigated the virality of AI-generated animal content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, uncovering three major issues: misinterpretations of animal behavior, anthropomorphism, and a growing detachment from nature. José Guerrero Casado, a co-author of the study, emphasizes that misleading representations can contribute to misinformation, undermining effective biodiversity conservation efforts.
For instance, the study points to videos depicting heroic bird parents attacking snakes, which can skew public perception and support for snake conservation. When viewers are led to believe that certain species are inherently “evil,” it can result in decreased support for their protection, ultimately jeopardizing conservation initiatives. Moreover, these AI-generated clips can foster unrealistic expectations among children about their interactions with wildlife, creating a disconnect when they realize that local animals do not behave as depicted in these videos. Rocío Serrano, another co-author, warns that such discrepancies can diminish children’s connections with nature, as they may become disillusioned when real-life encounters do not match the fantastical scenarios portrayed online.
To counteract the potential harm caused by misleading AI-generated wildlife videos, the researchers advocate for enhanced media literacy and environmental education in schools. Teaching children to critically assess the content they consume can help them distinguish between reality and fiction, ensuring they understand the true nature of wildlife. Francisco Sánchez, another co-author, stresses the importance of instilling this knowledge early on, as many young people increasingly rely on social media for information. As viewers, we should remain vigilant and discerning, looking for signs of AI manipulation such as unnatural movements, lighting inconsistencies, and blurred textures. By fostering a more informed public, we can protect both wildlife and the integrity of conservation efforts in our ever-evolving digital landscape.
It happens more and more frequently. You’re in bed,
doom-scrolling through social media
(just a few more TikToks!) and you happen upon a fantastic
video
—a massive leopard leaping into a backyard, where a shockingly courageous house cat scares the predator away from an innocent toddler. You’re about to send it to a friend, but then doubt creeps in at the last moment. Is it
real
?
Some videos generated by
artificial intelligence
are
so realistic
that it’s almost impossible to tell them apart from actual footage. While it might seem like an innocent enough prank, scientists are sounding the alarm about the potential implications for
conservation
efforts and children’s relationship with nature.
In a
Conservation Biology
study
, a team of researchers investigated the virality and potentially problematic nature of AI-generated photos and videos of wild animals on
social media
. They found three main issues—misperceptions of animal behavior,
anthropomorphizing
(applying human qualities to animals), and increasing detachment between society and nature.
“Our findings indicate that some posts are concerning because they do not reflect reality, which can contribute to misinformation. For effective biodiversity conservation, it is essential that society is well informed,”
José Guerrero Casado
, co-author of the study and a zoologist at Spain’s University of Córdoba, tells
Popular Science
.
He points to videos of bird parents killing “evil” snakes. “Some users comment in favour of this outcome, but what implications does this have for snake conservation? If public resources are directed towards snake conservation, but there is insufficient public support, efforts may be undermined,” he adds.
Such videos can also provide false impressions about the abundance of vulnerable species, further widening the already present disconnect between humans and wildlife, according to a University of Córdoba
statement
about the study. Along these same lines, these videos might also give young children false expectations about their local wildlife and realistic interaction with wild animals.
In other words, when they realize that the bunnies in their backyard are not going to have a wonderful time jumping on the trampoline with a blackbear, “it has the opposite effect in terms of connection,” Rocío Serrano, another co-author and a researcher at the University of Cordoba’s department of education.
What makes matters worse is people’s—particularly young people’s—increased use of social media as a source of information. Plus, false depictions of friendly exotic animals makes more people want to have them as pets.
More broadly as far as animals are concerned, the team suggests counteracting the potential harm propagated by these videos with strategies such as increased media literacy and environmental education in school, “ensuring that children understand from an early age that there are no lions here,” Francisco Sánchez, co-author of the study and a researcher at the University of Cordoba’s zoology department, concludes.
Moral of the story, be mindful of the content you’re engaging with. While some AI videos might be easier to suspect, you should always
watch out
for video
quality and length
, bad text,
strange looking hands
. Others still might be harder to identify.
“AI-generated wildlife videos can look convincing, but there are some telltale signs,” University of Buffalo computer engineer
Siwei Lyu
tells
Popular Science
. “Watch for unnatural movements—animals may move too smoothly or in ways that defy physics. Lighting inconsistencies are another clue: shadows and reflections often don’t match the environment. Finally, look closely at fine details like fur or feathers; AI models sometimes blur textures or repeat patterns unnaturally.”
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AI videos of animals could be dangerous. Here’s how to spot them.
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