When Humour becomes hate: Analyzing the Impact of Viral AI-Created Videos of Indian Street Food

AI-Generated Content Targeting Indian Street Food Draws Concern

Recent studies indicate a rising trend of AI-generated videos and images centered around Indian street food on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook. While such content aims to be humorous, it often perpetuates negative stereotypes about Indian culture, hygiene, and food practices. Some accounts, such as @IndiaSupahPowah and @Codex_India3, have been identified as promoting prejudice against Indians through these means.

The increased popularity of this content appears to stem not only from its comedic aspects but also from an alarming surge of online hate directed at Indian communities. Many users do not recognize the AI watermark, leading to misinterpretations of these videos as reality. Observations show that accounts showcasing AI-generated Indian street food videos can rapidly increase their follower count, even when these portrayals lack authenticity.

Conversely, platforms like Facebook appear to amplify the negativity due to their older demographic, who may not fully discern the content’s origin. As viewers engage with this material, harmful stereotypes are likely to take root in international perceptions of India.

• Why it matters:
  • The trend could worsen global stereotypes about India and its culture, shaping negative perceptions that affect international relations and tourism.
  • Businesses focusing on Indian cuisine and culture may face challenges in countering these harmful representations.
• The latest:
  • Many social media accounts are increasingly leveraging AI to create street food content, indicating ongoing exploitation of this digital trend for followers.