NaMo Speaks on JNU & RaGa at BJP Rally: Here’s How to Edit Reality

Shocking photos and videos on the internet, which turn out to be fake, are easy to create. The Quint shows you how.

Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi at a BJP rally? That’s just clever image editing.

Laced with evocative headlines, there’s a ton of content circulating on the web with the sole purpose of provoking their audience. In an era of impulsive social media lifestyle, where likes, shares and comments happen at scroll speed, we are often pushed towards content that may have dangerous implications.

Let’s take a look.

Rahul Gandhi Attends a BJP Rally?

Well, this is a morphed photo.

Original Photo

Original photo of Rahul Gandhi speaking at a farmers rally in Delhi.

How was it done?

We picked a random photo of Rahul Gandhi from a farmers rally in Delhi. Rahul Gandhi was outlined, and a copy of his image was put on a new layer. Then we proceeded to hang a BJP rally poster in the background, added shadows underneath and the image was ready to shock the internet.

This is how easily a photo can be morphed. (Edit: The Quint)

Photo-morphing and clever use of video editing tools have been around for long. Their use ranges from harmless humour to more serious, and controversial political vendetta. By the virtue of being on social media platforms, these images and videos can generate a massive reach. This raises serious concerns about the ill-use of this technology to instigate a virtual, connected mob.

Many controversies have recently surfaced which involved such editing practices to promote a specific agenda.

To demonstrate how easily it can be done in just a few minutes, and raise awareness in public interest, we have created these examples.

How We Made PM Modi Speak on JNU

How We Made PM Modi Acknowledge the Nation’s Downfall

Lesson 101: How We Fudged These Videos in Just a Few Minutes

Step 1: We decided to fidget with a video of a popular speech by a known face, which could be recognised by the audience. We zeroed in on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We sifted through his website, looking for a video. We found PM Modi’s Madison Square Garden speech and downloaded it.

Step 2: We put the video on an editing tool, and identified a few ‘playful’ bits. Then we sliced, diced, chopped, and garnished the video, swaad anusaar.

And the result was definitely reality-defying. You have already come across our doctored videos above.

So the next time you come across something shocking on social media, which makes your hand twitch and palm sweat until you click that share button, calm your wits, read this story once more (And share!).

If cleanliness starts at home, Swachh Bharat should begin with social media.