A group of vervet monkeys has been wandering the streets of Missouri for days, and fake artificial intelligence (AI) images are complicating the search for them.
The location of the monkeys, first spotted on January 8th, remains unclear. Neither do officials know who their owner is or how they managed to escape.
The exact number of primates running free in the streets of St. Louis, Missouri, is also unknown, with some reports suggesting that there are four animals roaming the city, Sky News reports.
Some residents took photos of the monkeys to inform the public and the officials. However, others are posting AI-generated images, further contributing to rumors, according to St. Louis Department of Health spokesperson Willie Springer.
“It’s been a lot in regard to AI and what’s genuine and what's not. People are just having fun. Like I don't think anyone means harm,” he said.
Days after the primates were first spotted, a St. Louis resident shared a photo of a black and white goat with a collar running free.
Surprised and amused by mysterious animals wandering the streets, X users turned to AI to share what their adventures could look like.
Some shared AI-generated images suggesting that the monkeys had taken the goat hostage, and others thought the primates could be enjoying a McDonald’s meal.
While the images may seem innocent, they highlight the blurring of the line between AI and reality, which can mislead users seeking news on social media.
After the US abducted the Venezuelan leader, Nicolas Maduro, AI-generated images of him being arrested and sitting on a plane quickly spread on social networks, garnering millions of views.
Amid the intensifying US pressure on Kyiv to accept an unfavorable peace deal with Russia, AI videos featuring Ukrainian soldiers crying and apologizing flooded social media. The videos were highly realistic and were likely created using advanced programs like Sora 2.
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