Current:Home > ContactA Winnie the Pooh crockpot captures social media's attention. The problem? It's not real. -Wealth Evolution Experts
A Winnie the Pooh crockpot captures social media's attention. The problem? It's not real.
Indexbit View
Date:2025-04-07 08:32:44
Oh, bother!
Winnie the Pooh lovers were recently let down when an AI-generated image of a Winnie the Pooh crockpot being sold at Walmart made its rounds on social media.
Although Walmart does sell a Winnie the Pooh crockpot, this is different from the one going viral online. The doctored image shows a crockpot bearing the smiling face of the Disney character in all his round glory. Covered in flowers, the Pooh-inspired crockpot even includes his iconic red t-shirt and a button in its center to crank the kitchen gadget up.
Walmart did not immediately respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment but Walmart's website does not appear to have the product in its inventory. The general consensus online from users is that the picture is not authentic. Additionally, the image has all the telltale signs of being fake.
The suspected AI-generated picture was shared on both Reddit and Facebook, leading eager shoppers to ask where they could get their hands on one of the crockpots.
“I want this for my wife,” wrote one Facebook user. “Where can I get it please?”
Another Facebook user inquired about the crockpot as a gift for their granddaughter, adding that she’d love it.
Reddit users talk AI and how to spot fakes
The Winnie the Pooh crockpot also made its way to Reddit. When users began to ask where they could pick one up, others shut it down swiftly.
One Redditor said seeing the crockpot image was the first time they didn’t recognize an image as fake or produced via AI.
But another user said they could tell it was fake because the dial to control the device had nothing on it. And Redditor ariana_mcclair said the letters gave it away.
“AI cannot do letters or numbers correctly or cohesively,” the user wrote. “Look at the ‘goole cure’ and even the squished up ‘Walmart’ on the box in the background.”
The user added that whoever created the image prompted AI to make the crockpot image, then edited “Winnie the Pooh” and crockpot onto the image to make it look real.
Other users were more focused on where to get an actual Winnie the Pooh crockpot since the one pictured wasn’t real.
A quick Google search shows that there are some other Pooh-inspired crockpots on Amazon, BoxLunch, and Walmart as previously mentioned. Whether they will be as much of a hit as the doctored fake crockpot is yet to be seen.
AI images can be dangerous
The crockpot image and others like them have started discussions about how to pursue legal action in more serious cases where AI is used to produce explicit content against those who create them.
Most recently, sexually explicit images of songstress Taylor Swift went viral on X, formerly known as Twitter. As of Monday morning, searches for Taylor Swift on the app lead to a message reading "Something went wrong. Try reloading."
At least 10 states have passed laws banning exploitative deepfake pornography or AI-generated images, audio files or videos with sexual content though, including Texas, Virginia and South Dakota.
There is no federal law regulating it.
Contributing: Taijuan Moorman, Kayla Jimenez, Elizabeth Weise, and Jeanine Santucci
veryGood! (41)
Related
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Noah Lyles, Sha'Carri Richardson help U.S. 4x100-relay teams claim gold
- Keke Palmer Celebrates 30th Birthday With Darius Jackson Amid Breakup Rumors
- Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones explains Trey Lance trade with 49ers
- Sonya Massey's father decries possible release of former deputy charged with her death
- Families mourn Jacksonville shooting victims, Tropical Storm Idalia forms: 5 Things podcast
- UAW says authorization for strike against Detroit 3 overwhelmingly approved: What's next
- Tyga Responds After Blac Chyna Files Custody Case for Son King Cairo
- Selena Gomez's "Weird Uncles" Steve Martin and Martin Short React to Her Engagement
- Powell says Fed could raise interest rates further if economy, job market don't cool
Ranking
- The Grammy nominee you need to hear: Esperanza Spalding
- Noah Lyles, Sha'Carri Richardson big winners from track and field world championships
- Phoenix Mercury's postseason streak ends at 10 seasons
- Louisiana refinery fire mostly contained but residents worry about air quality
- Can Bill Belichick turn North Carolina into a winner? At 72, he's chasing one last high
- Riders in various states of undress cruise Philadelphia streets in 14th naked bike ride
- Steve Miller recalls late '60s San Francisco music having 'a dark side' but 'so much beauty'
- MLK Jr.'s daughter reflects on her father’s ‘I have a dream’ speech: 5 Things podcast
Recommendation
All That You Wanted to Know About She’s All That
Court-martial planned for former National Guard commander accused of assault, Army says
Inter Miami vs. New York Red Bulls recap: Messi scores electric goal in 2-0 victory
Orioles place All-Star closer Félix Bautista on injured list with elbow injury
'Vanderpump Rules' star DJ James Kennedy arrested on domestic violence charges
At least 7 injured in shooting during Boston parade, police say
Korea’s Jeju Island Is a Leader in Clean Energy. But It’s Increasingly Having to Curtail Its Renewables
Pete the peacock, adored by Las Vegas neighborhood, fatally shot by bow and arrow