JOHANNESBURG - The fabric of society has lost care and compassion.
This is what experts say is indicative of the continuing distribution of a fake AI image purported to be of the victims of the Vanderbijlpark crash.
The image, which has been widely circulated on social media, shows images of 11 children with the message: “In loving memory of 13 learners who died in the taxi crash in Vanderbijlpark, Sebokeng.”
Many social media users have reshared the image with messages of sympathy across social media platforms.
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Lesiba Kgwele of the Moral Regeneration Movement said online users were gradually becoming irresponsible publishers.
“In our quest to appear to trend, we are insensitive to the people that will be viewing these images,” Kgwele said.
“This requires us as society to revisit Ubuntu as well as our obligation to be sensitive to those that are involved. We are traumatising people on a day-to-day with this type of material.”
Kgwele said social media users needed to be held accountable for their conduct online.
He also condemned those who take pictures at accident scene to post them online.
Tonya Khoury of Acumen Media concurred with Kgwele and cautioned online users to fact check before sharing anything on social media.
“There are moms and dads that are still reeling from this event. Your clout chasing has impacted even more on the situation that is so serious.”
Khoury also called for the AI companies to be regulated.