Videos Expose Truth, But Also Cloud It

Deepfakes and conflicting footage raise concerns about misinformation

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The rise of video footage, both authentic and manipulated, has had a profound impact on how news and information is consumed and understood. While videos have helped expose the truth in some cases, such as the killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, they have also contributed to the spread of misinformation through the use of AI-generated "deepfake" videos.

Why it matters

The increasing prevalence of video footage, both real and fabricated, has significant implications for how the public perceives and understands current events. Authentic videos can provide crucial evidence and transparency, but deepfakes and conflicting footage can also cloud the truth and fuel the spread of misinformation.

The details

In the case of the Alex Pretti killing in Minneapolis, video footage undermined the federal government's initial account of the incident. However, the emergence of AI-generated "deepfake" videos, such as one depicting actor Brad Pitt, highlights the potential for manipulated footage to mislead and confuse the public.

  • The Alex Pretti killing occurred in Minneapolis.
  • The AI-generated video of Brad Pitt surfaced recently.

The players

Alex Pretti

The victim of a killing in Minneapolis, whose death was documented by video footage that contradicted the federal government's initial account.

Brad Pitt

A famous actor who was the subject of an AI-generated "deepfake" video, demonstrating the potential for manipulated footage to spread misinformation.

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The takeaway

The increasing prevalence of video footage, both real and fabricated, highlights the need for critical thinking and media literacy to navigate the complex landscape of information and misinformation in the digital age.