Harsh Goenka’s viral ‘flying fish’ video stuns viewers until IFS officer reveals the AI truth: Is it AI magic or reality?

In today’s social media landscape, where striking and sometimes unbelievable content spreads rapidly, industrialist Harsh Goenka recently grabbed widespread attention with a viral post. He shared a short video on X showing what appeared to be a fish growing wings and taking flight from a person’s hands, creating a surreal and eye-catching visual. The clip quickly captivated viewers, sparking curiosity and discussion online among millions of surprised users. However, Indian Forest Service officer Parveen Kaswan clarified that the video was entirely AI-generated, highlighting how artificial intelligence can produce highly realistic yet impossible scenarios. This incident underscores the growing influence of AI in digital content creation and the need for viewers to approach viral videos with critical awareness, distinguishing imaginative creations from real-world phenomena.Harsh Goenka, renowned for sharing engaging and thought-provoking content, posted a brief video showing a person holding a fish with fins that resembled wings. Within moments, the fish seems to lift off into the air, creating the illusion of a flying creature that defies nature. Goenka captioned the post, “This is the first time I have seen a flying fish,” inviting curiosity and intrigue from viewers. The clip’s appeal lay not only in its visual peculiarity but also in the element of surprise. Social media users were split between awe and scepticism, with some marveling at the fantastical visuals and others questioning the authenticity of what they were seeing.As the video gained traction, Indian Forest Service officer Parveen Kaswan stepped in to clarify the situation. Commenting on Goenka’s post, Kaswan simply stated, “Because it is an AI.” This brief comment held significant weight, reminding viewers that artificial intelligence can now generate visuals that mimic reality with astonishing accuracy.AI-generated content, particularly videos, has evolved to a point where it can convincingly simulate impossible phenomena. In this instance, the technology created a fish that not only appeared to have wings but also flapped them, something no real fish can do. This incident reflects a broader trend where AI is increasingly used to produce creative yet scientifically inaccurate content that can easily go viral.Harsh Goenka’s post quickly amassed over 50,000 views, prompting diverse reactions. Some users immediately recognised the AI manipulation. One viewer pointed out the natural behaviour of flying fish, writing, “That is an AI-generated video. Flying fish break through the waves and glide over the water for some distance. There is no flapping involved.” This comment highlighted a scientific understanding of actual flying fish, which glide rather than flap their fins.Other responses reflected humour and fascination with AI’s limitless potential. Comments ranged from playful warnings, such as “AI se bach ke chalo sir ji,” to imaginative predictions like, “Soon you will see a flying T Rex too.” Several users admired the creative aspect of the video while acknowledging its artificial origin, commenting, “This is awesome but it is AI.”These reactions illustrate a broader conversation around AI content: viewers are increasingly aware that viral videos may be digitally manipulated, but many still enjoy the novelty and creativity involved.The intervention by Parveen Kaswan underscores the importance of expert input in maintaining factual accuracy in the digital age. Social media is a fertile ground for misinformation, and visually convincing AI content can easily mislead audiences. Officers and experts play a crucial role in ensuring that science and reality are not overshadowed by digitally generated illusions.In the case of the ‘flying fish’ video, Kaswan’s clarification provided immediate context, educating viewers on the limitations of real-world flying fish and preventing misconceptions from spreading. It also demonstrates how AI-generated content can challenge the public’s perception of reality, making expert commentary increasingly valuable. This viral incident highlights a larger trend: artificial intelligence is revolutionising content creation on social media. From generating realistic images and videos to creating entirely new digital phenomena, AI is reshaping how audiences engage with online media. While this opens avenues for creativity and entertainment, it also presents challenges related to authenticity and misinformation.