An AI-generated social media post is circulating on Facebook claiming an "ancient sinkhole" opened up at Red Clay Historic Park in Cleveland. Confirmed to be false by Park Manager Erin Medley, a new question comes to light:
How are safe media consumption practices impacted in the age of artificial intelligence?
The news was broadcast through a satirical Facebook page titled "Cleveland Tennessee Breaking News." In a long, seemingly official post, the page writes:
"In what experts are already calling one of the most significant archaeological finds in modern North American history, a massive sinkhole has opened unexpectedly at Red Clay State Historic Park, revealing a previously unknown cache of ancient artifacts—some of which appear to predate known Cherokee occupation of the region."
The alleged sinkhole is said to be nearly 40 feet wide, over 20 feet deep, and of "Norse origin." The page claims it opened up after the 4.1 magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Tennessee earlier in May.
The post is shockingly believable, and had many in the comment section in awe. However, upon scrolling down to the photos provided as "evidence", it's clear the news may not be exactly what it seems:
In fact, a photo provided by Medley was enough to completely debunk the sinkhole claim. Local 3 obtained a photo of the park (left) taken today, Sunday, June 1, to compare to the photo shared online (right) two days ago:
Photo of the Red Clay State Park (left) taken today, Sunday, June 1, to compare to AI-generated photo shared online (right).
Medley notes that the first thing to notice, other than the giant sinkhole that isn't there, is the difference in uniform:
"We're a Tennessee State Park, and those are more National Park Ranger uniforms, if you look at the color, the Smoky Bear hat," says Medley.
"None of those people work at Red Clay," she continued. "I've been there for the past 20 years, so I'm a pretty familiar face over there. If I wasn't represented in that picture, then that definitely didn't happen."
In the park's case, Medley said the false information turned out to be a good thing for Red Clay. People have been visiting the park all day, inquiring about the sinkhole and shopping in the gift shop.
However, she warns that it could have easily turned out differently.
"They have created this whole buzz about something that didn't even happen. Just think of how that could be used - not for good things. We're lucky that some good came out of it because it got people interested in Red Clay, but it could also go the other way," says Medley.
She notes that although the post generated interest and revenue for the park, adverse effects are also a danger to the situation.
"People could think, 'Oh, I'm gonna come to Red Clay and maybe dig things up and see what I can find,' or they might want to see the 'big hole'. It's not good in that way. It's false; it's lies."
As a precaution to the impacts of AI-generated content, Medley advises social media users to do their own research before believing things they see online.
"Find out the facts; find out what's real. Today, unfortunately, that's a lot harder to do," she says.
She also notes that viewers should look carefully at content that may seem too good to be true: "There's just always something you can see. It's always just a little off."
Stay with Local 3 News for updates on this story.
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