"Accounts across TikTok and Instagram reportedly used AI videos to plug the supposed show as a perfect way to ring in 2026 - prompting thousands to believe the online slop and show up, and even sparking an article in Time Out New York promoting the non-event as a hot thing to do on the holiday. Thousands rang in the new year at Brooklyn Bridge Park expecting a fireworks show. AFP via Getty Images"
""Did we get pranked? We got pranked. The amount of people who are misinformed here," said Zack Gill, who was tricked into going down to the park posted a viral video of the disappointed crowd. The clip shows a huge throng of duped revelers on the Brooklyn riverside counting down the second to midnight - and then looking stunned as no fireworks went off on the bridge."
"The only waterfront fireworks show took place near the Statue of Liberty and down at Coney Island, both far from the views at the DUMBO piers. Central Park and Prospect Park also had fireworks shows. The thousands of revelers - who braved below-freezing temperatures and frigid gusts for the opportunity - were apparently fed false information on social media that came from ChatGPT, irresponsible content creators and ill-meaning pranksters."
Thousands gathered at Brooklyn Bridge Park after AI-generated videos on TikTok and Instagram promoted a grand fireworks display for New Year’s Eve that did not exist. Viral clips and posts presented the supposed show as a prime way to ring in 2026, prompting crowds to brave freezing temperatures and gusts. Attendees counted down to midnight and were stunned when no fireworks occurred over the Brooklyn Bridge. Actual waterfront fireworks took place near the Statue of Liberty and at Coney Island, with additional shows in Central Park and Prospect Park. Misleading content was traced to AI tools, irresponsible creators, pranksters, and a mistaken Time Out New York promotion.
Read at New York Post
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