As Hurricane Milton struck Florida’s west coast, social media became awash with misleading or AI-generated videos, rapidly spreading misinformation and accumulating millions of views across platforms. Some videos, like one supposedly depicting Hurricane Milton, were actually old footage, such as a clip from a 2021 nor'easter in Massachusetts. Others, like a montage viewed over 1.5 million times on X, featured AI-generated content designed to look authentic.

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Experts caution that viral videos containing false information often emerge after natural disasters, aiming to attract attention or sow confusion. The National Weather Service has issued warnings in the past about "false or purposely inaccurate severe weather reports" that recycle old footage from different events to deceive viewers.

Cayce Myers, a public relations professor at Virginia Tech, highlights the growing challenge posed by AI-generated images, which can easily create realistic yet misleading visuals. “The problem is that these fake images shape how people perceive reality, and social media accelerates the spread of disinformation,” she said.

To help users identify misleading or fabricated content online, the CBS News Confirmed team offers key tips:

1. Pause and analyze: Ask yourself if the media matches other verified photos or videos from the same event or if something looks out of place, such as unrealistic waves in AI-generated videos.
2. Cross-reference with other sources: Look for alternate photos or videos from the same location to see if they match. Discrepancies could suggest the footage is from an older event or fabricated.
3. Use search engines effectively: By typing in a description of the media and adding "fact check," you can quickly debunk misleading content.
4. Check reputable sources: Rely on established news outlets, government agencies, and official social media accounts for accurate reports on natural disasters. For instance, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety provided fact-checks on AI-generated content during Hurricane Helene.

Misleading videos on social media are not new. As part of the effort to counteract this, House Democrats from states impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton sent a letter to seven tech companies, including Facebook, TikTok, and X, urging them to address the surge in disinformation, conspiracy theories, and scams that exploit individuals and hinder recovery efforts.

In response, social media companies have taken steps to reduce the spread of misleading content. TikTok, for instance, is directing users searching for hurricane-related content to official FEMA videos. Meanwhile, Meta shared that it works with fact-checking organizations to review and limit the reach of false claims on its platform. However, as misinformation continues to proliferate, it’s important to remain vigilant.

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In addition to these platform-specific measures, the nonprofit RAND Corporation developed a 17-point checklist to help users avoid spreading or falling for false claims after natural disasters. This comprehensive approach includes suggestions for checking metadata, analyzing the credibility of the source, and understanding the context of the content being shared.

By recognizing and addressing misinformation early on, both users and platforms can play a role in ensuring that accurate information is shared during times of crisis.