B1 – Intermediate
Santorini in Greece is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world.
Some fake videos has become viral on social media showing a volcanic eruption. But they were later on identified as AI-made.
In another video, it shows an island with what appears to be smoke. This one was not actually AI-made, but it is actually from an eruption in New Zealand in 2019. They only put the wrong caption for it.
Some believe Turkey is responsible for this misinformation so the fake news could negatively affect the tourism in Santorini.
Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Santorini being targeted by fake viral videos on social media.
https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/fake-videos-about-santorini-eruption-level-3
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “mislead” mean? “They have gained thousands of views on TikTok and X, misleading many people.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ’mislead’ in your own sentence.
- What does “distort” mean? “Another video of people running in fear has distorted figures, proving it was AI-made.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ’distort’ in your own sentence.
- What does “in place” mean? “A state of emergency is in place until March, and thousands have left the island.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give 2 synonyms.
Discussion Questions:
- What is your reaction to this news?
- How could these fake videos and misinformation affect Santorini, especially their tourism?
- What is your opinion about this, “Rumors claim Turkey is behind the misinformation. Allegedly Turkey wants to hurt Santorini’s tourism, but there is no evidence.”?
- How serious is the problem with misinformation? Talk about it.
- Give other examples of misinformation on social media or the internet that have affected any city in your country or your country itself. And how was that situation handled by the government?
- How can we protect ourselves from misinformation?
2 replies on “Fake Videos about Santorini Volcanic Eruption”
1.-What is your reaction to this news?.
My reaction to this news is that I find it incredible that there are people who make these fake news and even worse that they come from another country to harm the tourism business in Greece.
2.-How could these fake videos and misinformation affect Santorini, especially their tourism?.
People believe it, and they don’t go because they are afraid that a volcanic eruption might happen when they are there, which would affect tourism in Santorini.
3.-What is your opinion about this, “Rumors claim Turkey is behind the misinformation. Allegedly Turkey wants to hurt Santorini’s tourism, but there is no evidence.”?.
I cannot comment on this, because I have no information.
4.-How serious is the problem with misinformation? Talk about it.
Well, it’s going to be a very big problem and I hope that countries are prepared, that there are regulations by governments and control and inspection systems to detect and stop this news from spreading.
5.-Give other examples of misinformation on social media or the internet that have affected any city in your country or your country itself. And how was that situation handled by the government?.
Fake news about COVID-19 during the pandemic. In 2020, there were many fake news stories circulating, such as the idea that drinking hot water or gargling with salt could prevent the virus or other measures that had no scientific basis.
6.-How can we protect ourselves from misinformation?.
Well, it is a very complicated subject, but it is becoming more and more common due to AI. And protecting ourselves means questioning everything that reaches us, and trying to contrast that information through different news media.
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Until your next entry! Enjoy your writing practice.