The image, showing a burning Air India aircraft split across a building, looks striking but is not real. Its details are inconsistent with the laws of physics and the actual crash site.
Yet, it continues to go viral across platforms like Facebook, X, and YouTube. A similar appeal was observed at the time of the Pahalgam massacre.
What is more troubling is the motivation behind such posts. Instead of expressing grief or solidarity, many are using this tragedy to chase clout.
Fake visuals, exaggerated captions, and emotional bait are being used to drive views, likes, and shares. In doing so, the tragedy is being turned into a tool for personal gain.
This behavior trivializes a real and horrifying event. It shifts attention from the victims and their families to artificial drama.
While misinformation is not new, the speed at which AI-generated content spreads during a crisis makes it even more dangerous.
2 Lakh for Train Death, 1.5 Cr for Flights? Fair?
People must pause before sharing sensational content. The desire to be first or to go viral should not come before empathy and responsibility. A tragic plane crash should not be reduced to clickbait.
Choosing truth and compassion over engagement is not just ethical. It is the least we owe to those who lost their lives.