A viral video of Los Angeles’ Dodger Stadium sparks confusion and curiosity
A viral aerial video of Los Angeles’ Dodger Stadium has many social media users convinced that floodwaters submerged the ballpark amid Tropical Storm Hilary over the weekend. The video, which was posted by a Twitter user named @DodgersFanatic, shows a large pool of water covering the field and the stands, with only the scoreboard and some lights visible above the surface. The caption reads: “Dodger Stadium is flooded! This is insane!”
The video has been viewed over 2 million times and has received thousands of comments, likes, and retweets. Many people expressed shock and disbelief at the sight of the iconic stadium being flooded, while others questioned the authenticity of the video and wondered how it was possible.
The truth behind the video: It was an optical illusion created by a mirror
However, the video is not real. It was not taken during Tropical Storm Hilary, which did not affect Los Angeles at all. In fact, the video was not even taken recently. It was actually filmed in 2017 by a drone operator named Evan Thomas, who used a mirror to create an optical illusion that made it look like the stadium was underwater.
Thomas explained his technique in a YouTube video titled “How I made Dodger Stadium look like it was flooded”. He said he placed a large mirror on the ground near the stadium and flew his drone over it, capturing the reflection of the stadium on the mirror. He then edited the video to make it look more realistic and dramatic.
“I wanted to make something that looked like it could be real, but also something that would make people question what they were seeing,” Thomas said in the video. “I thought it would be cool to make Dodger Stadium look like it was flooded, because it’s such a recognizable landmark and it’s in a city that doesn’t get much rain.”
Thomas said he did not intend to deceive anyone or cause any panic with his video. He said he uploaded it to his YouTube channel as a creative project and a demonstration of his drone skills. He said he was surprised by how viral his video went and how many people believed it was real.
“I never expected it to get this much attention,” Thomas said. “I guess people are really fascinated by things that look impossible or out of place. I hope people enjoy it as a piece of art and not as a source of misinformation.”
How to spot fake videos and photos online
Thomas’ video is not the first nor the last example of fake videos and photos circulating online. With advances in technology and editing software, it has become easier for anyone to create and share manipulated images and videos that can fool or mislead viewers.
However, there are also ways to spot fake videos and photos online and avoid falling for them. Here are some tips:
- Check the source. Always look at where the video or photo came from and who posted it. Is it from a reputable news outlet or a verified account? Or is it from an unknown or suspicious source? If you are unsure about the source, do some research on it or look for other sources that can confirm or debunk the information.
- Check the date. Sometimes, old videos or photos are recycled and presented as new or relevant to current events. Look at when the video or photo was posted or taken and compare it with other sources that can verify the date.
- Check the details. Look closely at the video or photo and see if there are any inconsistencies or anomalies that can indicate manipulation. For example, are there any signs of editing, such as pixelation, blurring, cropping, or mismatched lighting? Are there any elements that look out of place or unrealistic, such as shadows, reflections, or perspective? Are there any logical errors, such as contradictions with known facts or common sense?
- Check with experts. If you are still unsure about the authenticity of a video or photo, you can consult with experts who can analyze it and provide evidence-based opinions. For example, you can use online tools such as Google Reverse Image Search or TinEye to find out where an image came from and if it has been altered. You can also use websites such as Snopes or [FactCheck.org] to find out if a video or photo has been debunked or verified by professional fact-checkers.
