A peculiar image went viral recently, showing a deceased grandma seemingly encased in a large resin box, stunning Twitter users
Uploaded by Chris Ray Gun on June 20, the image allegedly portrayed a family using their late grandmother, preserved in resin, as a coffee table. Garnering over 450,000 views, the image was reposted multiple times across various social media platforms. However, the claim was quickly debunked as online commentators spotted signs of image manipulation.
Is the picture of a dead grandma encased in a resin box real or fake as it goes viral on Twitter and Reddit
The buzz around the viral image quickly changed tune as users pointed out that the image seemed manipulated via Photoshop or artificial intelligence technology. Despite the realization, netizens humorously engaged with the image, sparking a flurry of jokes and quirky reactions.
Encasing loved ones in acrylic resin, great for grandma! pic.twitter.com/Wvz2I3nVYO
— Free Willie Urqsโญ๏ธ (@Urquwill) June 19, 2023
A thoughtful user even remarked that organic matter inside resin can decay, highlighting the impracticality of such an ‘innovative’ coffee table, and adding a touch of humor to the entire saga.
Saga of AI generated resin Grandma images
The rabbit hole deepened as a visual effects supervisor, Kelly Port, known for his work in the Marvel franchise’s Spider-Man: No Way Home, tweeted a similar image. This time, an equally unrealistic dog replaced the elderly woman inside the resin box. Port humorously suggested the resin-encased dog as a Father’s Day gift.
Soon after, the original image of the ‘grandma in resin’ was traced back to an account named Free Willie Urqs. The account seemed to be the nucleus of the ongoing joke, posting and replying with creatively manipulated images.
Free Willie Urqs: Masterminds behind the viral image
A peculiar conversation unfolded in the replies to Free Willie’s tweet. A user, SJ Melnick, noticed and humorously pointed out the grandma’s six-fingered right hand. In response, Free Willie altered the image further, leading to more humorous reactions from the Twitter community.
As the conversation evolved, a reporter, Jordan Liles, enquired about the tools and techniques used to create these images. Responding to the query, Free Willie revealed using the new Photoshop Beta and its AI generation tool to manipulate the image. The user also shared a screenshot of their search for an ‘encased grandma’ image in Photoshop.
Despite the image originating as a grandmother encased in ice, it quickly morphed into the viral resin-encased grandma image, thanks to Chris Ray Gun’s tweet. Despite the image’s sensationalized caption and unsettling context, it was nothing more than a lighthearted internet prank.
As social media continues to thrive, we can expect more such creative manipulations and hoaxes. Amid the fun and banter, let’s remember the importance of fact-checking before sharing any startling information online.
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