Have you ever stumbled upon a mind-boggling photo that made you question everything you knew? From the Great Sphinx statue in Egypt beautifully covered in snow to jaw-dropping images of the pope relaxing in hot tubs with two girls, these viral sensations took the internet by storm. But here's the plot twist: they were all fake! In an era of increasing popularity for AI tools like Midjourney, it's easier than ever to create convincing and deceptive visuals. Join us on a journey as we uncover the truth behind +40 viral photos that fooled the world, reminding us that not everything we see on the internet is as it seems. Keep reading, and prepare to be amazed.
Photo Of Pope Francis With Two Women In A Hot Tub
A scandalous photo of Pope Francis in a hot tub with two women went viral, raising eyebrows worldwide. However, this provocative image is not what it seems. The photo is an AI-generated fake, created using advanced technology that mimics realistic human appearances.
The Truth: In our fact-checking investigation, we discovered that the viral photo is a product of generative AI. Those strangely flawless fingers give it away. AI still has a hard time nailing realistic hands. Don't forget it next time you see an outrageous image on social media.
A Lottery Winner Meets the Love of His Life Two Days After Winning
This viral photo stirred controversy, labeling a stunning woman as a gold digger. But looks can deceive, especially In a world quick to judge. So what's the real story behind this intriguing encounter?
The Truth: Behind the scenes, the photo reveals a different story. The woman is Natacha Peyre, a Swedish actress and singer. The unidentified man? Perhaps just a fan. It was taken at a public event, not a chance encounter with a lottery winner. Don't let stereotypes fool you.
Behind the Scenes of MGM’s Infamous Intro Photo
A captivating behind-the-scenes photo circulated on social media, claiming to expose the creation of MGM's iconic intro. The image depicted a lion strapped to a machine, seemingly capturing the powerful roar witnessed at the start of every MGM film
The Truth: However, the reality unfolds differently. The lion was strapped for a different reason, undergoing examination at a veterinarian's office and making a full recovery. Interestingly, MGM employed approximately seven lions throughout the creation of their memorable intro, not just one.
Astronaut Smoking Weed In Space
Boldly defying gravity, an astronaut appears to enjoy a leisurely smoke in the vastness of space. This mind-boggling image captivated the internet, sparking debates on interstellar relaxation and rule-breaking.
The Truth: In reality, this photo is a cleverly doctored fabrication. Astronaut Chris Hadfield, renowned for his space vlogs, surprises his fellow crew members with a pack of Easter eggs, not indulging in forbidden substances. The altered image misled many, showcasing the potential for deceptive visuals even in the depths of space.
The Angry Cat Eyebrows That Fooled Everyone
A viral photo of a fierce-looking cat with exaggerated eyebrows captivated the internet, sparking curiosity and amusement. People marveled at the unique expression, believing it to be genuine.
The Truth: It turns out, however, that the truth reveals a clever trick. The cat's distinctive mustache caught attention, but the viral image was digitally altered with eyebrows, creating an illusory touch of fury. The original photo showcases a typical feline, without striking eyebrows, exposing online deception's artistry.
This Castle in the Middle of the Ocean Is a Fantasy
Imagination soared with the allure of a magical castle nestled in the midst of the ocean. How do such captivating and misleading ideas come to life? It's as if one day, someone exclaimed, "Let's build a castle on a rock!"
The Truth: It's time to dispel the illusion. The castle exists, but not as depicted in the picture. It stands in Germany, while the majestic rock resides in Thailand. This mesmerizing image cleverly merges both elements through Photoshop, creating an enchanting but unreal scene.
The Illusion of Symmetrical Lenticular Clouds
The internet was captivated by a photo featuring symmetrical lenticular clouds. Resembling saucers or lenses, these natural formations exuded inherent beauty and uniqueness, not needing any exaggeration to be truly awe-inspiring.
The Truth: In reality, the captivating image was skillfully edited. Different-sized clouds were meticulously photoshopped, resulting in a parallel and symmetrical version that garnered popularity. Yet, the unaltered allure of lenticular clouds remains captivating and genuinely enchanting.
The Truth Behind the Photo of a Kid Sleeping Near Deceased Parents’ Graves in Syria
The heart-wrenching photo of a child peacefully sleeping near what seemed to be their deceased parents' graves in Syria stirred deep emotions. This poignant image tugged at the sympathies of many, resonating with their profound sense of loss and grief.
The Truth: A closer look reveals another narrative. The child was indeed sleeping, but the adjacent graves did not belong to their parents. The photographer staged the scene to convey a message, though it manipulatively misrepresented reality, leaving many feeling emotionally deceived.
Gravity-Defying Selfie
With disbelief, viewers pondered the authenticity of a jaw-dropping mid-air selfie. The expert manipulation of this picture showcased remarkable talent, earning it iconic status across numerous meme pages and internet groups.
The Truth: In reality, however, we find a solid ground. The genuine picture captures a pilot taking a selfie after safely landing the plane. Trusting the original image feels more secure than the altered one. Let's be honest, which pilot would risk taking mid-air selfies?
The Distorted Tale of "Ugly Children Disposal"
An old photograph resurfaced online, depicting a child standing in a litter container next to a sign that shockingly reads "Dispose of Your Ugly Children Here." This image captured attention and provoked outrage, but the truth behind it is quite different.
The Truth: The viral photo, widely shared on social media, is a product of digital manipulation. The original 1928 photograph portrays a child standing in a park rubbish bin next to a sign that reads "PLEASE KEEP OFF THE GRASS." That's the truth behind this disturbing image.
Ironic Sign Revealed
Amidst internet circulation, this sign brought forth laughter with its ironic message. The image portrayed a supposed planning failure at a school entrance, resulting in a cleverly orchestrated prank by the students.
The Truth: Yet, the laughter and sarcasm soon subsided when the true picture emerged, unveiling the intentional nature of the joke. In truth, the sign was correctly placed without any spelling or arrangement mistakes, showcasing the clever wit behind the prank.
There’s Nothing Fried About This Fried Rice Wave
Within the challenges of daily life, pictures like this bring a sense of joy. However, discovering their deception is disheartening. Take the viral fried rice wave, for instance, where the internet believed the man effortlessly flipped it.
The Truth: The fried rice wave is a sculpture found in a Tokyo market. It was never cooked or flipped. Someone cleverly photoshopped the man and the sculpture, creating a convincing illusion of rice being flipped in a pan. A deceptive but impressive trick.
the Myth of the Black Lion
The allure of unique animals and captivating imagery often grabs our attention. Take the image of a black lion, for instance, which effortlessly captivated those unfamiliar with the animal kingdom.
The Truth: Concrete evidence of a lion with pure black fur remains elusive. While black-maned lions and photoshopped images exist, a completely black lion has yet to be documented. This deceptive image was created by transforming a white lion to black, designed to seize attention and curiosity.
False Alarm: Beware From the Viral Bear
Viral pictures often captivate, particularly one featuring a cyclist fleeing from a bear. The thrill of a potential chase garners more attention than a lone bear running in solitude.
The Truth: Fortunately, this picture is a product of photoshop, sparing us from questioning the cyclist's fate. While intriguing, the image exists solely in the artist's imagination. The authentic photo showcases the scenic beauty of Yellowstone National Park, capturing the essence of this remarkable part of the country.
Snow-Covered Sphinx
Social media was abuzz with photos of a snow-covered Sphinx, seemingly taken in Cairo during a rare snowstorm. People marveled at this incredible sight, believing it to be a remarkable event. But, the truth reveals a different story.
The Truth: These captivating images were actually of a miniature model found at a theme park in Japan. The park boasts a collection of replica models, including the Sphinx and Egyptian pyramids. Cairo may not have witnessed snow, but people online loved the idea.
A Cheerleader Pooping While Thrown in the Air
Picture this – a jaw-dropping photo of a cheerleader suffering an unfortunate case of diarrhea in mid-air as her teammates watch in horror. It's easy to understand how this hilarious yet unbelievable moment captured the internet's attention and ignited a frenzy of reactions.
The Truth: Let's dive into the details behind the viral image. In reality, the original picture shows a daring cheerleading performance with no bathroom breaks involved. However, a mischievous Photoshop wizard seized the opportunity to create a wacky image that will make everyone talk.
Paris Hilton Never Wore This Shirt
Let's go down memory lane to the early 2000s. Do you remember the controversial image of Paris Hilton sporting a t-shirt supposedly urging people to "stop being poor"? That shirt sparked outrage and debate, but was it even the truth?
The Truth: Turns out, Hilton's shirt originally said "stop being desperate," not "stop being poor." Someone's clever edit caused quite the stir, proving the power of digital trickery. Sorry Paris, and thanks for still allowing us to be poor (but not desperate!)
Frog-Like Woman's Squatting Exposed
Among countless viral pictures, some deceive with their uncanny realism. Take, for instance, the photo of a woman casually perched on a small counter shelf, eliciting both amusement and disbelief.
The Truth: In reality, the woman had only one leg resting on the shelf while the other firmly stood on the ground. However, a humorous photoshop edit added the illusion of her second leg on the ledge, igniting laughter and causing the image to spread like wildfire across the internet.
The Space Shuttle in the Clouds
The allure of space and the fascination with space shuttles can lead to the belief in captivating images. This picture, depicting a space shuttle slicing through clouds, appeared strikingly real to those unfamiliar with cloud formations and space dynamics.
The Truth: Unfortunately, this picture deviates from reality. The actual image lacks the same captivating quality. The photoshopped version was likely created to generate greater attention, as the original image alone may not have been deemed captivating enough for widespread interest.
The Legend of the Dwarf Giraffe
Photo manipulators continue to deceive us, especially when it comes to our beloved animals. Take, for example, this picture of a supposed dwarf giraffe, widely believed to be true by many.
The Truth: While dwarf giraffes do exist, they are rare. However, this particular image does not depict a real giraffe with dwarfism. The original photo shows a typical giraffe with its long legs and neck. There is no doubt that this fake picture gained popularity due to the cuteness of dwarf giraffes.
The Unreal #10yearschallenge Graphic
Deforestation, pollution, and global warming are critical issues demanding our attention. Photos showcasing environmental changes through the #10yearschallenge garnered widespread engagement, highlighting the impact of human activities.
The Truth: Yet, this particular picture, though thought-provoking, is not genuine. It cleverly presents a single shot split into two separate images, giving the illusion of a significant environmental shift. The intention behind this manipulation was likely to raise awareness about the detrimental consequences of our actions on the environment.
The Moon and Skyscraper Photo
Nature's wonders captivate us, from trees to weather to celestial bodies. This intriguing photo of the moon seemingly perched atop a skyscraper enticed many. The perfect alignment between the moon and the building appeared incredibly realistic, but it is a manipulated image.
The Truth: The original photo by Mo Aoun captured the skyscraper and the moon, but not in this striking manner. A skilled editor photoshopped the image to create an illusion that took the internet by storm, captivating the imagination of many.
The Canals of Venice Were Never Frozen
Venice, renowned for its canals and architectural wonders, needs no introduction. However, an altered image of a completely frozen Venice circulated online, capturing attention and raising eyebrows.
The Truth: The real picture reveals a Venice untouched by ice, while the viral image cleverly superimposed a frozen Lake Baikal in Russia onto the canals of Venice. The deception fooled many, making them think the iconic Italian city would really freeze.
Photoshopped Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor
The allure of seeing Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor together entices many. However, the captivating picture of them posing side by side is nothing more than a fabrication.
The Truth: This photoshopped image is the creative work of a fan's imagination, part of a collection featuring Marilyn Monroe alongside various icons. It showcases the fan's impressive photoshopping skills and desire to bring beloved figures together, even if only in the digital realm.
Bear Chasing National Geographic Photographers - The Real Story
The heart-pounding spectacle of a bear chasing National Geographic Photographers mesmerized online viewers. This captivating image of peril left only a few questioning its authenticity, until the true story came to light.
The Truth: In reality, the bear was a stock photo ingeniously inserted into the original image, misleading viewers. The photographers, affiliated with National Geographic, were not escaping from a bear but pursuing a different objective altogether. This serves as a powerful reminder to approach viral images with a healthy dose of skepticism.
A US soldier performed the "world's first dab" in 1932
A photograph purports to capture a soldier executing the "world's first dab" in 1932, sparking intrigue and speculation. Could this iconic dance move have originated decades earlier than commonly believed?
The Truth: The "Dab" trend emerged in 2015, attributed to hip hop group Migos, but claims of a 1932 dab by a soldier started spreading online. In fact, this image is actually from behind the scenes of the movie Dunkirk, shot in 2016 and edited to resemble a 1930s photo.
The Illusion of Star Island
An alluring image of a star-shaped island called "Star Island" went viral online. Showcasing a dreamy island where one can indulge in sunbathing and cocktails. After all, who wouldn't want to soak up the sun on such a unique island?
The Truth: Sadly, this picturesque destination exists only in virtual reality. The actual island is the moon-shaped Molokini, located between Maui and Kahoolawe in Hawaii. The original photo shows off the island's natural beauty. While stunning, it lacks the star shape crafted by an imaginative photoshopper.
Einstein Riding a Bicycle in the Midst of an Explosion
Unless you've been living under a rock for the last 20 years, you're probably familiar with this picture: Albert Einstein casually cycling while an explosion unfolds behind him. This image took the internet by storm, but the truth behind it is far from reality.
The Truth: This picture is a clever manipulation. It combines a photograph of Einstein riding his bike with a separate image of an explosion. Not only is the scene fictional, but the bomb blast was actually 7 years after Einstein's death. Don't believe everything you see online!
India's Hindu Festival Spectacle That Never Was
A magical image claiming to showcase India's vibrant Hindu festival circulated online, capturing the attention of many. The colors and spectacle drew people in, creating a sense of wonder and excitement.
The Truth: The picture is an exaggerated composite of satellite images, enhanced with vibrant colors. While it isn't an actual depiction of the Hindu festival, its visual impact fooled many. Once again we are reminded of the power of photoshoped images to fool us.
This Cow Was Never Chilling on a BMW
Witness the bizarre sight of a cow appearing to relax on a luxurious BMW. This viral picture had everyone talking, sharing, and laughing. But, as it turns out, the reality behind the image is quite different.
The Truth: In reality, the original photo captured a cow peacefully lying in a grassy field, nowhere near any fancy cars. Through skillful photoshopping, the cow found itself perched atop a BMW, creating a humorous and deceptive image that fooled many. Including us.
The Infamous Picture of a Tourist Moments Before 9/11
In the aftermath of 9/11, conspiracy theories were shared online more than ever before. For instance, this mysterious photo claims to capture a tourist moments before 9/11. Many were intrigued by the chilling image, but what's the truth?
The Truth: many of the photos, letters and phone calls shared from 9/11 are untrue, including this one. Contrary to popular belief, the person in the photo didn't witness the tragedy. Details about the context of the picture remain elusive, casting doubt on its authenticity.
This Turtle Mountain Is Cool, but It’s Fake
Movies have made us believe in the impossible: time travel, mansions in the ocean, mountains with a turtle's face. This stunning image of a turtle-shaped mountain indeed took over the internet, making us wonder if such a marvel truly exists.
The Truth: Sorry, you're going to be disappointed; this turtle mountain has been edited. The original photo shows Pilot Mountain in North Carolina, while the turtle-shaped version is the result of imagination and Photoshop. Meanwhile, we must admit that the actual mountain is no less beautiful.
The Romney Family Misspelling Their Surname
The chances are small, but there's a slight chance of an entire family misspelling their surname in public. However, that wasn't what happened in this picture. The Romney family didn't misspell their last name. So what exactly did happen?
The Truth: The definition of fake news is this. It was created when Mitt Romney ran for president and annoy many. The last name of the family contains all the letters that spell "money", so someone decided to play a cruel trick on them.
Martin Luther King Jr. Never Gave the Photographer the Finger
This shocking photo rocked the internet, for obvious reasons. It's not every day you see civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. giving the finger. But did this controversial moment truly occur, or is there more to this story?
The Truth: In reality, the original photograph captured Dr. King holding up two fingers, a symbol of peace and unity. However, someone digitally altered the picture, misrepresenting this iconic figure's legacy. Remember, not everything you see online is an accurate portrayal of historical events.
This Cruise Ship Did Not Dump What You Think It Did
Cruise ships can undoubtedly dump and spread litter and pollution in the sea, but this picture managed to go viral online and spark concern. Although it isn't Photoshop, there is a different story behind the image than you might think.
The Truth: While the image accurately captures the ship's surroundings, the brown deposit is not what it appears to be. It is actually a mixture of engine fumes, sand, and mud, which contradicts the idea of disposing of human waste. This brown stain isn't what you thought it was.
Emus Are Not That Scary in Person
Emus are fascinating creatures known for their unique appearance and quirky behaviors. But have you seen those viral pictures of emus with bulging eyes and razor-sharp teeth?
The Truth: Here's the scoop—those emu pics are purely the result of digital trickery. Emus are not the menacing beasts those images make them out to be. In reality, they are curious birds that roam the Australian outback with their long legs and distinctive feathers.
Sharks Swimming in the Mall
You can't blame us for believing fake pictures, especially since things are happening today that weren't possible decades ago. A closer look at these pictures, however, shows that they are doctored, like this one of sharks in a mall.
The Truth: The picture captioned a shark tank had collapsed at the Kuwait Scientific Center, causing an influx of sharks. However, the sharks were photoshopped; the original image is that of the flooded basement of Toronto's Royal Bank Plaza.
This Double Decker Bus Race Never Occurred
This kind of picture is the internet's bread and butter. People hardly question pictures as cool as this double-decker bus race. The photo went viral after people shared it and this image was super popular.
The Truth: They didn't realize it was only an interpretation of someone's imagination. This race never actually happened; many know this now, but some still believe it. But, whoever looks at the picture closely will see that it's fake, and the race never occurred.
Hurricane Sandy Did Not Damage New York’s Statue of Liberty
Recently, Hurricane Sandy's picture went viral on Facebook and worried people everywhere. The hurricane killed many people and destroyed many homes in 2012. This is why nobody questioned the originality of this picture; the majority believed the destruction was so severe.
The Truth: However, this picture is exaggerated and does not show real-time footage; this photo came from the movie The Day After Tomorrow. Perhaps someone thought the actual images weren't showing the details of the hurricane's destruction well enough and produced this.
The fantasy Fairy Pools in Scotland's Isle of Skye
Maybe someone who watches too many Disney movies wanted to bring one to life. Or they wanted to test their Photoshop skills. Whichever it is, they succeeded in making people believe that this photo titled “Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye, Scotland” is real.
The Truth: The original picture, however, shows the Shotover River in New Zealand. The edited image's creator changed the colors of the trees and water to purple and turquoise. It's a pretty scene and would be an excellent place to visit, except it doesn't exist.
Did You Believe There Was a Purple Watermelon?
Photos of unusual things always get us hooked; if we ever question their originality, it's after we've already fallen for them. An excellent example is this regular watermelon that someone with good photoshopping skills turned purple.
The Truth: This viral picture circulated with the title “Japanese Moon Melon”, scientifically known as Asidus, is fake. Different opinions, theories, and explanations went around this shocking picture. It took a while to figure out the picture was a photoshopped version of a normal watermelon.
This Archaeologist Found a Huge Skeleton
The easiest way to get people to believe in a photoshopped picture is by telling them a researcher found it. However, while many pictures of archaeologists posing near their findings are accurate, many aren't. Like this showing an archaeologist with a huge skeleton.
The Truth: The picture was indeed taken, and the archeologist did find something in the ground. However, what he found wasn't a giant skeleton but rather something much less interesting. Someone thought imposing a large skeleton would get the photo more attention.
Lightning Strikes a Tree in This Incredible Photo
Sometimes edited pictures are completely fabricated; sometimes they are minor exaggerations. This altered photo of a tree struck by lightning is an example of the latter. This event never really happened, but it could have been. How exactly?
The Truth: The photo is a result of an artist's creative skills in light painting. The photographer Darren Pearson used long exposure techniques to create this striking visual. While it may not be real, it sure showcases the artist's talent and imagination.
A Giant Shark Surrounds the U-Boat
The internet is a place where people seek attention; when they also have photoshopping skills, it becomes dangerous. This is another picture with an exaggerated element to fool people. It showed a 64-feet shark swimming by a U-boat many years ago.
The Truth: The actual photo was taken from a mockumentary film name Megalodon, about an ancient giant shart. So the boat is really in the picture, but the shark is an imitation. Once again, someone wanted to get people's attention online, and boy he did.