Modul11
Module 11 - Edited photos and videos (deepfakes)
Not everything we see is real
Introduction
In the previous module, we focused on recognising manipulation and working with emotions. You already know that text can contain strong claims without evidence. Now we will look at something even more specific. On the internet and in the media, we may encounter information that is untrue or deliberately misleading. In this module, you will learn to recognise edited photos and videos.
What does "manipulated photos/videos" mean?
Sometimes it can be:
- a photograph edited,
- a video edited,
- a voice altered,
- a face digitally altered.
Today's technology also makes it possible to create a video in which a person says or does something they never actually said or did — or something that is impossible in reality. And it looks very realistic and credible. Such material is called a deepfake.
Why is this a problem?
Because:
- the video is very convincing,
- people tend to believe what they see,
- the emotions it evokes can be strong.
We must remember that not only text, but also images, videos and sound can be fake and manipulative.
How can a video be edited?
For example:
- cutting out part of a speech (missing context),
- slowing down or speeding up the recording,
- adding subtitles that change the meaning,
- digitally editing the face or voice.
Practical exercises
✍️ Practical exercise 1: Read the text and answer the questions.
"Look at this video! It's clear evidence! Share it before they delete it!"
"There's a video circulating on social media in which a well-known presenter says..."
Does the sentence contain pressure to share quickly?
👀 Show solution
Yes. The phrase "Share before they delete it" creates urgency and pressure to act without thinking.
Does it contain specific evidence?
👀 Show solution
No. The claim "It's clear evidence" is not supported by any specific evidence.
Can it trigger strong emotions?
👀 Show solution
Yes. Words like "clear evidence" and the urgency of sharing can trigger fear or excitement.
Analyse the content of the video.
👀 Show solution
Watch the video carefully: Does the presenter really say what the message claims? Is the video cut? Is the subtitle consistent with what is actually being said? Always look for the original, unedited source.
✍️ Practical exercise 2: Read the text and answer the questions.
"Look at this photo. This is clear evidence! Share it before they delete it!"
"There is a photograph circulating on social media where..."
Does the sentence contain pressure to share quickly?
👀 Show solution
Yes. The structure is the same as in the previous exercise — urgency without evidence.
Does it contain specific evidence?
👀 Show solution
No. The claim "This is clear evidence" is asserted but not supported.
Can it trigger strong emotions?
👀 Show solution
Yes. Photographs with strong captions can trigger immediate emotional reactions before we think critically.
Analyse the content of the photograph.
👀 Show solution
Look carefully at the photograph: Does it show what the caption claims? Has it been cropped or edited? You can use a reverse image search to find the original context of the photograph.
📌 Summary
- Just because a photograph or video has been edited does not mean that all videos are false.
- Critical thinking means verifying the source, looking for the original context, and not reacting hastily.
- Even photographs and videos can be fake.
- Not everything we see is the complete picture of reality.
- Before sharing, it is good to check the material.