Hoax Video of Orca Attack on Jessica Radcliffe Goes Viral on TikTok
amsterdam, woensdag, 13 augustus 2025.
A video showing an orca attack on marine biologist Jessica Radcliffe has been revealed as a fake. The item went viral on TikTok, demonstrating how easily AI can be used to create convincing hoaxes. Experts confirm that the video is AI-generated and that there is no real Jessica Radcliffe. The video combines AI voices with archival footage and uses emotional details such as menstrual blood to increase its impact. This incident underscores the need for faster moderation and clear labelling of AI-generated content by social media platforms.
Hoax Video of Orca Attack on Jessica Radcliffe Goes Viral on TikTok
A video showing an orca attack on marine biologist Jessica Radcliffe has been revealed as a fake. The item went viral on TikTok, demonstrating how easily AI can be used to create convincing hoaxes. Experts confirm that the video is AI-generated and that there is no real Jessica Radcliffe. The video combines AI voices with archival footage and uses emotional details such as menstrual blood to increase its impact. This incident underscores the need for faster moderation and clear labelling of AI-generated content by social media platforms [1][2].
The Spread of the Hoax Video
The hoax video of the orca attack on Jessica Radcliffe was uploaded to TikTok on 7 August 2025 and quickly went viral. The video used elements from real orca incidents, such as the deaths of Alexis Martínez in 2009 and Dawn Brancheau in 2010, to enhance its credibility. This technique makes it harder for viewers to recognise the video as fake [3][4].
Impact on Social Media and Public Opinion
The spread of the hoax video has raised questions about the control of platforms over fake news in the era of AI. Negative and spurious viral videos often lead to high engagement and views, which benefit advertising revenue. Coltan Scrivner, a researcher, explains that people are drawn to negative news stories due to their protective instincts and the tendency to learn from potential threats [1][5].
AI in the Spread and Combat of Fake News
AI plays a dual role in the spread and combat of fake news. While AI technology is used to generate convincing hoaxes, such as the Jessica Radcliffe video, AI tools are also being developed to detect fake news. Platforms like TikTok and Facebook have technology to identify fake videos but continue to struggle with effectively combating disinformation [1][2][6].
Implications for Media Literacy and Democracy
The ease with which AI can generate hoaxes has serious implications for media literacy and democracy. Repeated exposure to disinformation can reinforce false beliefs, known as the ‘illusory truth’ effect. Fact-checkers and analysts advocate for faster moderation and clear labelling of AI-generated content to limit the spread of fake news [2][3][5].
Practical Tips for Readers to Recognise Fake News
To combat the spread of fake news, readers can apply the following practical tips:
- Verify viral videos by checking reliable news sources.
- Use reverse image/video searches to check if images have been used elsewhere.
- Look for signs of manipulation, such as unnatural movements or sounds.
- Be critical and ask yourself if the story is logical and if there are reliable sources confirming it [2][3][6].