AI 'homeless man' prank sparks alarm, misuse concerns raised

A disturbing trend is sweeping social media: using artificial intelligence to create fake images of homeless people and then pranking family members. The stunts, which are designed to shock and amuse, have prompted warnings from law enforcement about the potential dangers of misusing rapidly evolving technology.

Viral Trend Emerges

The “AI homeless man prank” involves users generating images of a fake individual purportedly inside their home. They then send these images to family, often spouses, to gauge their reactions. The hashtag #homelessmanprank has exploded on TikTok, with countless videos showcasing the staged scenarios.

Tutorials have even surfaced, guiding users on how to create realistic fake images. The trend has extended across multiple platforms, including Snapchat and Instagram, amplifying its reach and impact.

Authorities Issue Warnings

Local authorities are now speaking out, cautioning primarily teen participants about the serious risks involved. One police department described the prank as “stupid and potentially dangerous.”

They emphasize that it dehumanizes homeless individuals, causes unwarranted panic, and wastes valuable police resources. Responding officers treat these calls as real emergencies, leading to potentially hazardous situations.

Global Impact of AI Pranks

The issue isn't confined to the United States. In the UK, Dorset Police responded to a call from a panicked parent, only to discover it was another AI-fueled prank. Ireland’s national police force, An Garda Síochána, has also shared examples of AI-generated images received by authorities.

AI's Deceptive Power

The prank underscores the deceptive capabilities of AI-generated media. The proliferation of realistic AI image and video generators has led to a flood of fake content online.

These images and videos, while often containing subtle AI indicators, can easily fool viewers. Last year, Katy Perry revealed that her own mother fell victim to an AI-generated image of the singer at the Met Gala.

Ethical Considerations

Even when pranks are not malicious, they highlight the ease with which AI can manipulate real people. The emergence of more advanced tools like Sora 2 raises concerns about the potential for mass manipulation campaigns using AI-generated content.

Limited Safeguards Exist

While AI generators often include watermarks, users can easily remove them, making it challenging to identify manipulated content. When asked to create an image of a homeless person inside a home, ChatGPT refused, citing ethical concerns.

In contrast, Google’s Gemini produced the requested image, highlighting the varying safety protocols across different AI platforms. TikTok has started labeling videos flagged as AI-generated, but the problem remains widespread.

Legal Ramifications

Currently, no specific laws directly address this type of AI misuse. However, in Ohio, juveniles have faced criminal charges for their involvement in similar incidents. Police departments are urging “pranksters” to consider the consequences, referencing laws that penalize the communication of false information to public safety entities.

A Call for Education

Some law enforcement agencies are focusing on education, encouraging parents to discuss the potential dangers of online trends with their children. They highlight the risk of unintended consequences, resource depletion, and the potential impact on families and communities.