"Thousands of revelers were tricked by phony social media videos into gathering at Brooklyn Bridge Park to watch a grand fireworks display on New Year's Eve only to find out the event didn't actually exist. Accounts across TikTok and Instagram reportedly used AI videos to plug the supposed show as a perfect way to ring in 2026 prompting thousands to believe the online slop and show up, and even sparking an article in Time Out New York promoting the non-event"
"The clip shows a huge throng of duped revelers on the Brooklyn riverside counting down the second to midnight and then looking stunned as no fireworks went off on the bridge. Other angles of the prank show thousands of eager celebrants with phones in hand, ready to capture the moment the light show went off over the Brooklyn Bridge. The group counted down together and cheered and then there was a noticeable silence when the sky stayed dark."
"The only waterfront fireworks show took place near the Statue of Liberty and down at Coney Island, both far from the views at the DUMBO piers. There was a fireworks show down the East River at the Statue of Liberty. AP Central Park and Prospect Park also had fireworks shows. The thousands of revelers who braved below-freezing temperatures and frigid gusts for the opportunity were apparently fed false information on social media that came from ChatGPT, irresponsible content creators and ill-meaning pranksters."
Thousands of people gathered at Brooklyn Bridge Park on New Year's Eve expecting a grand fireworks display after seeing AI-generated videos circulating on TikTok and Instagram. The videos promoted a supposed waterfront show and even led to a Time Out New York listing naming the site among best viewing spots. Revelers counted down to midnight and reacted with stunned silence when no fireworks appeared over the bridge. Actual waterfront fireworks were held near the Statue of Liberty and at Coney Island, with other shows in Central Park and Prospect Park. Organizers and viewers say misinformation stemmed from ChatGPT outputs, irresponsible creators, and pranksters.
Read at nypost.com
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