In a case of mistaken identity, a photo of a dog believed to be the one shot and killed by South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has gone viral on social media and news outlets. The photo, originally posted on a Reddit forum devoted to dogs, actually depicts a different dog named Blue, not the one that Noem shot. The spread of this misinformation highlights the ease with which viral false narratives can be created and shared online, even without the use of sophisticated technology like deepfakes or AI.
Despite the misidentification being good news for the dog in the photo, the incident sheds light on the unchecked spread of viral misinformation online. The image of Blue, posted by a Reddit user over a year ago, started appearing across the internet after Noem revealed in a book that she had shot and killed her own dog, Cricket. The story quickly gained national attention and led to a flurry of posts and reactions on social media platforms.
The misattributed photo of Blue was shared by multiple users, including a popular actor, and appeared in various news outlets, both nationally and internationally. An animal rights group mistakenly used the image in a press release condemning Noem’s actions, leading to its publication on the websites of numerous local TV stations. The group has since acknowledged the error and requested a clarification from the press release service.
Experts emphasize the dangers of false information spreading online, especially when tied to controversial topics. Incentive structures on social media platforms often reward the amplification of viral content, leading to the dissemination of misleading narratives. The misuse of the photo of Blue serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of sharing unverified information, even if done unintentionally.
The Reddit user who originally posted the photo of Blue expressed displeasure at the misuse of their dog’s image, noting that while Noem’s actions were recorded, using a random internet dog’s photo to fuel outrage is unjustifiable. Blue, described as a good and protective dog by the user, remains alive and well despite the confusion surrounding the viral image. The incident underscores the need for vigilance and critical thinking when engaging with content online to prevent the spread of misinformation.
