Hello and welcome back, readers! This week, we’ve lined up a news report that’s likely to leave you questioning reality a little. Last week, a viral clip of a kangaroo boarding a plane went viral and gained plenty of criticism. But, here’s what happened when people finally understood the video wasn’t real at all, but entirely created by artificial intelligence (AI).
Why A Fake ESA Kangaroo Video Can Pose A Very Real Risk To The Genuine Cause of Support Animals
Recently, a bizarre video made the rounds on social media showing a woman trying to board a flight with her “emotional support kangaroo” while arguing with a flight attendant.
The scene ends with a zoom-in on the kangaroo’s face, prompting confusion. Are people taking the concept of support animals too far? As convincing as the video was, it turns out that it wasn’t real at all. However, the reactions it invoked from people were quite real.
The infamous ESA kangaroo video was first shared on Instagram by a visual effects creator called “Infinite Unreality.” The artist is quite well known for their surreal AI-generated content, and an infinity symbol as their personal signature, which was present in the kangaroo video. While AI is generally preferred to generate fantasy-like content, the kangaroo video caught people’s attention because it wasn’t bizarre enough to be flagged as fake. The result was that the video was shared far and wide before people realized the video wasn’t real at all.
After its debut on Instagram, the video was picked up by the popular internet drama account DramaAlert and reposted on X (formerly Twitter). There, it exploded in popularity, racking up over 58 million views according to platform metrics.
Many viewers accepted the clip at face value and used the clip to create memes. Others took to the platform to speak out against the dangers of allowing ESAs and their handlers too much leeway.
X’s default setting of muted autoplay likely had much to do with the video being thought of as real. But, the moment the sound is enabled, it’s obvious the women in the clip are speaking gibberish, and that the video is AI. While the artist may have meant for the video to promote laughter, things can get heated quickly between those who support ESAs and those who don’t.
While the video can’t be used as evidence by ESA critics, it can be problematic when it comes to shifting people’s perceptions.
Fake videos, such as the AI ESA kangaroo, trivialize legitimate ESA use. People who rely on emotional support animals for mental health and emotional conditions already face skepticism. Viral AI clips that exaggerate or mock ESA scenarios can fuel public misunderstanding and make it harder for those with real needs to be taken seriously.
Source: Forbes
CertaPet’s Thoughts on This Week’s News
Misinformation is a very real concern in today’s world. Highly circulated videos can influence public opinion. If people start to believe exaggerated ESA cases are common, they may support stricter rules or outright bans, harming people who follow legitimate protocols.
While funny AI videos are generally for laughs when it comes to contentious topics like ESA protection, it’s best if the community comes together to nip any such content in the bud by ensuring viewers understand the difference between fake scenarios and the very real and legitimate needs of the emotional support and service animals community.
Getting an emotional support animal as part of your treatment care plan has never been easier. If you’re living with emotional or mental health challenges, ESAs could ease your symptoms and help you live a happier, fuller life. If you’re ready to start the process, take our 5-minute pre-screening test for free. We’ll connect you with a licensed mental health professional, who will have a consultation with you. Then, if you qualify, you’ll get your Emotional Support Animal letter in no time.