In early June 2023, a disturbing video depicting the deep-frying of a baby surfaced on various social media platforms, including TikTok, garnering significant attention and outrage. The video, initially uploaded by a user named “its_dollyho,” quickly went viral, eliciting strong reactions from viewers.

Subsequently, it was discovered that the video was a deliberate fabrication. The baby in the video was, in fact, a doll, and the deep fryer was empty. The creators behind the video were a group of pranksters aiming to gauge the negative responses they could provoke.

Although the video turned out to be a hoax, it ignited a widespread debate concerning the ethical implications of generating and circulating such deceitful content. Some individuals contended that the video was harmful, as it had the potential to mislead viewers into believing that real infants were being subjected to harm. Conversely, others argued that it was merely a harmless prank, suggesting that people should not take it too seriously.

This incident underscores the inherent risks associated with social media platforms. In the digital era, it has become increasingly effortless for individuals to create and disseminate deceptive videos. Consequently, these videos can have detrimental effects on individuals, necessitating a heightened awareness of potential hazards prior to sharing or viewing such content.

To safeguard oneself from falling victim to hoax videos, the following tips are recommended:

1. Maintain a healthy skepticism towards videos that appear too extraordinary or unbelievable.

2. Refrain from sharing videos of questionable authenticity without verifying their veracity.

3. Report any hoax videos encountered on social media platforms to the respective platform’s authorities.

By adhering to these guidelines, individuals can contribute to curtailing the spread of hoax videos and shield themselves from the adverse consequences that may arise as a result.