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In a curious twist of digital creativity, a wave of AI-generated videos is sweeping through social media, depicting urban decline in a sensationalised manner. The latest viral sensation features a group of young men—depicted in balaclavas and padded jackets—sliding down a dubious water slide into a litter-strewn pool, purportedly a taxpayer-funded attraction in Croydon. This absurdity is just the tip of the iceberg in a trend that has seen numerous imitations flood platforms like TikTok and Instagram, collectively amassing millions of views. As these deepfakes proliferate, they are shaping public perceptions of cities like London, Manchester, and beyond, fuelling a controversial narrative often dismissed as “decline porn.”
The Absurdity of Urban Decline
These AI-generated visuals are not merely harmless jokes; they are part of a larger movement that portrays Western cities as overrun by crime and immigration. Dubbed “decline porn,” this genre combines exaggerated or entirely fabricated narratives with a dose of dark humour. The result? A growing chorus of voices, many of whom take these depictions at face value, leading to increased anger and, in some cases, racist backlash.
The BBC’s recent investigation into the creator of the Croydon deepfakes, known online as RadialB, reveals a fascinating character behind these viral videos. In a candid conversation, RadialB expressed that his aim was to entertain rather than provoke political discourse, insisting he simply wanted to capture people’s attention. “If people saw it and immediately knew it was fake, then they would just scroll,” he explained. His content, focusing on caricatures of urban youth and absurd scenarios, is designed to be shocking and eye-catching.
The Mechanics Behind the Madness
What allows this trend to flourish? According to RadialB, the drastic improvements in AI technology have significantly lowered the barriers for anyone wishing to create compelling, albeit fictitious, content. This accessibility has given rise to numerous accounts that rehash his material, often for views and engagements, particularly on platforms like Facebook.
The videos often depict grim scenes of Croydon’s so-called taxpayer-funded facilities, leading to public outcry and accusations of perpetuating harmful stereotypes. Critics argue that these portrayals distort reality, with one Croydon-based TikTok user, C.Tino, lamenting, “These videos are making people think this is real life. It’s becoming out of hand now.” The blurred line between satire and reality raises valid concerns about the implications of such content on public perception.
The Broader Trend of Urban Fear-Mongering
RadialB’s content is not isolated; it taps into a broader trend of using AI to craft narratives of decay in cities like London and San Francisco. Influencers like South African YouTuber Kurt Caz have capitalised on this theme, drawing millions of views with sensationalised titles suggesting urban danger. After posting a video labelled “Avoid this place in London,” Caz faced backlash for allegedly doctoring thumbnails to exaggerate the perceived threats of the UK capital.
This sensationalism is further echoed by prominent figures, such as Elon Musk, who have added fuel to the fire with their own narratives of decline. Musk’s comments at a far-right rally last year, where he lamented the “destruction of Britain” due to “massive uncontrolled migration,” resonate with the themes illustrated in these deepfake videos. While there are serious discussions to be had regarding immigration and urban safety, the exaggerated content often lacks a foundation in reality, misleading viewers and skewing public discourse.
Why it Matters
The proliferation of AI-generated deepfakes represents a significant challenge to our understanding of truth in media. As these videos continue to gain traction, they not only distort perceptions of urban environments but also contribute to societal divisions. The blending of satire with real-world consequences can lead to dangerous narratives that incite racial tensions and exacerbate public fears. As we navigate this landscape of misinformation, it becomes increasingly vital to discern fact from fiction, ensuring that the dialogue surrounding urban issues remains grounded in reality rather than sensationalised fiction.
