Viral ‘Squid Game’ Images Spark False Rumors of Real-Life Inspiration
The explosive popularity of Netflix’s dystopian thriller "Squid Game" has once again collided with the pervasive nature of misinformation online. A series of AI-generated images and a misappropriated photograph from a documentary have fueled a false narrative claiming the fictional show is based on real events. These images, depicting brightly colored hallways reminiscent of the show’s set and a group of men in tracksuits, rapidly spread across social media platforms in multiple languages, coinciding with the release of the show’s second season. The timing and visual similarities to "Squid Game" led many to believe they were witnessing evidence of the show’s real-world origins, prompting comments expressing shock and renewed interest in the series. This incident underscores the challenges in discerning fact from fiction in the digital age, particularly when compelling visuals are involved.
The fabricated narrative gained traction as users shared the images, expressing their belief in the existence of a real-life "Squid Game." Some claimed to have seen information about the game on TikTok, perpetuating the misconception that it was created to eradicate poverty. Others stated that the purported real-life basis of the show made them even more intrigued. This rapid dissemination of misinformation highlights the power of social media in amplifying false narratives, especially when those narratives tap into existing anxieties or align with popular culture trends. The incident also demonstrates the susceptibility of users to accept visually appealing content at face value without critical examination or verification.
Contrary to the viral claims, "Squid Game" is a work of fiction, drawing its inspiration from various sources. Series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has openly acknowledged the influence of Japanese comics like "Battle Royale" and "Liar Game" on his creative process. He has also cited the Ssangyong Motors strikes in South Korea in 2009, a period of intense labor disputes and social unrest, as a key inspiration for the show’s protagonist, Gi-hun. Hwang’s intention was to explore the economic anxieties of the modern world and the potential for individuals to fall prey to desperation. The fabricated narrative surrounding the show, however, completely misrepresents the director’s intentions and the fictional nature of the series.
An investigation into the origin of the misleading images revealed their fabricated nature. A reverse image search traced the pink and green hallway pictures to an Instagram account belonging to Efe Levent, a Turkey-based writer who creates AI-generated art. Levent confirmed he created the images using Midjourney, an AI art generator. This highlights the increasing sophistication of AI image generation tools and their potential to be used in the creation and spread of misinformation. The realistic nature of these AI-generated images makes it increasingly difficult for the average user to distinguish between real photographs and fabricated content.
The photograph of the men in tracksuits was revealed to be taken from a documentary about Brothers Home, a former detention facility in Busan, South Korea, with a documented history of human rights abuses. The image, appearing in a YouTube documentary by the Busan Ilbo newspaper, was misrepresented as evidence of a real-life "Squid Game." This misappropriation of a sensitive historical image for the purpose of spreading a false narrative demonstrates the potential for such actions to trivialize serious events and exploit the vulnerabilities of online audiences. The misuse of the image is particularly egregious given the suffering endured by those who were confined within Brothers Home.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of media literacy in the digital age. The ease with which AI-generated images and miscontextualized photographs can be disseminated and accepted as truth underscores the need for critical thinking and source verification. Recognizing the potential for manipulation and misinformation is crucial in navigating the complex online landscape and preventing the spread of false narratives. Resources such as AFP’s guide on spotting AI-generated images can empower individuals to assess the authenticity of online content and protect themselves from misinformation. The “Squid Game” incident serves as a cautionary tale about the power of visual misinformation and the need for vigilance in the face of rapidly spreading online content.