OAK HARBOR, Wash. — This story was originally posted on MyNorthwest.com
A social media post circulating on the Oak Harbor High School campus falsely claimed a homeless person was on campus on Monday.
The Oak Harbor Police Department (OHPD) issued a press release Monday to dispel rumors of a homeless person being present on the Oak Harbor school campus.
“The Oak Harbor Police Department is aware of a social media post that circulated this morning among parents and community members, falsely claiming that a homeless individual was present on the Oak Harbor High School Campus,” OHPD stated. “This claim is not accurate.”
Seattle University Professor Jacqueline Helfgott commented on the dangers of such AI pranks, stating that they blur the lines between fantasy and reality.
The prank was initially intended as a joke by students who sent images to their family members, but it quickly escalated when the police were alerted.
A spokesperson for the school district noted that the quick response from Oak Harbor PD and the School Resource Officer ensured that school operations were not disrupted.
Helfgott emphasized the potential legal consequences of such pranks, noting that making a false report to the police is a misdemeanor, and if someone is harmed, it could escalate to a felony.
The school district has not disclosed whether any disciplinary action was taken against the students involved, but they continue to provide resources and curriculum to support proper use of AI and technology.
Although no criminal charges were filed, the incident highlights the need for media literacy and responsible use of technology among students.
AI-generated homeless man prank made at Oak Harbor High School
The specific prank, called the “AI Homeless Man Prank,” involved creating an AI-generated image of a homeless individual in familiar settings and then sending the image to a friend or family member in hopes of alarming them.
“In this case, students generated and circulated an image implying the presence of a homeless individual on school grounds, which led to unnecessary concern within the community,” OHPD stated.
OHPD claimed it is partnering with the Oak Harbor School District (OHSD) administrators to investigate the incident.
The department encouraged families to speak with their children about responsibly using technology and the consequences of distributing false information online.
“AI tools can create highly convincing images, and misinformation can spread quickly, causing unnecessary fear or diverting public safety resources,” OHPD stated.
The department noted that if anyone has received alarming messages or images about safety issues on campus, they are urged to verify the information with official OHPD or OHSD communications before distributing it elsewhere.
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