neville parkFeb 25

This infographic about how to pick up a snail is going viral, but it was AI-generated and numerous biologists have chimed in to say it is wrong.

(I previously boosted it, but have un-boosted. The post author has been informed, and *edit: has deleted the post!)

Source: https://g.co/about/jb9fd7
Biologists countering:
- https://functional.cafe/@kupac/116129641965242964
- https://ecoevo.social/@ubi/116129816353041890

Show threadmayu Feb 25
@nev who gains anything by spreading misinformation about how to handle snails? are they a criminal group that's gonna plant snails in places and then steal your wallet while you're waiting 30 seconds to pick the snail up /j /lh
Show threadPetra van Cronenburg

@mayu The FB site which was the origin, has something around 250k followers. It's for the clicks. And often they are connected with fake websites, fake youtube accounts etc where clicks are translated in money.

@nev

Feb 25 at 4:56pmWeb
Show threadneville parkFeb 25
@NatureMC @mayu I'd add that posting recycled viral stuff can be used to 1) appear legit and genuine, and 2) amass a high number of followers. The account can then be sold and pivoted to something else, if desired. Accounts that aren't obviously spam and have lots of followers are much more valuable than, say, brand-new ones with no history.
Show threadPetra van CronenburgFeb 25
@nev OMG, I hadn't even thought of such "profitable" ideas! 😱 @mayu