No, Ukraine isn't using cats to spot Russian sniper lasers

MediaWise

11 May 202203:51

Summary

TLDRIn the 'Is This Legit' YouTube series, Ian debunks the viral claim that Ukraine uses cats to detect sniper laser dots in the war against Russia. The tweet featuring a cat named 'Mikael the Panther of Kharkiv' is unverified and lacks sources. A Google Reverse Image search and fact-checks from USA Today and AFP reveal the story as fabricated, with the photo dating back to 2018 and no evidence of such military use of cats. The video emphasizes the importance of skepticism towards unverified images and the necessity of fact-checking, especially during crises.

Takeaways

😸 The script discusses the prevalence of cute cat content online and the importance of fact-checking even seemingly innocent claims.
🐾 A specific tweet claiming that Ukraine uses cats to spot sniper laser dots in the war against Russia is examined.
🔍 The tweet's credibility is questioned due to its origin from an unverified account and lack of provided sources.
🔎 A Google Reverse Image search is recommended as a method to fact-check the authenticity of viral images.
📰 Fact-checks from USA Today reveal the claim about cat usage in warfare to be entirely fabricated.
👀 The photo in question has been circulating since 2018, predating the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
👁️‍🗨️ An expert from the Modern War Institute at West Point dismisses the claim, calling it 'complete garbage'.
🔬 The script emphasizes the rarity of lasers in sniper warfare, further debunking the tweet's claim.
📸 It's highlighted that old photos can be repurposed to spread false stories, underscoring the need for skepticism.
⚠️ The necessity of fact-checking information related to ongoing crises, such as the situation in Ukraine, is stressed.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video script?
-The main topic of the video script is the fact-checking of a viral claim that Ukraine is using cats to spot and direct the location of Russian sniper laser dots during the war.
What is the purpose of the 'Is This Legit' YouTube series?
-The purpose of the 'Is This Legit' YouTube series is to debunk viral misinformation and show viewers how to fact-check claims themselves.
Why is it important to verify the source of a claim during a crisis like the one in Ukraine?
-It is important to verify the source of a claim during a crisis to ensure that news and updates are from trusted and reputable sources, rather than random people online, to avoid the spread of misinformation.
What method did the presenter use to fact-check the photo in the tweet?
-The presenter used a Google Reverse Image search to fact-check the photo in the tweet.
What did USA Today's fact-check reveal about the claim?
-USA Today's fact-check revealed that the claim was entirely fabricated, with no evidence supporting the use of cats by the Ukrainian army to identify sniper lasers.
Why are lasers not a common element of sniper warfare according to the USA Today article?
-Lasers are not a common element of sniper warfare because they would give away the sniper's position, which is counterproductive to the stealthy nature of sniping.
How did the AFP fact-check corroborate the findings of USA Today?
-The AFP fact-check corroborated USA Today's findings by interviewing an expert who called the story 'Complete garbage' and highlighting the implausibility of the claim.
What was the expert's opinion on the claim about cats being used in warfare?
-The expert, Liam Collins, a former director of the Modern War Institute at West Point and defense advisor to Ukraine, called the claim 'Complete garbage' and questioned its practicality.
What are the two main takeaways from the video regarding the verification of information?
-The two main takeaways are to always be skeptical of photos without sources and to fact-check anything related to ongoing crises like the situation in Ukraine, even if it's a story one wants to believe.
How can viewers get help with their own research according to the video?
-Viewers can get help with their own research by using the hashtag #IsThisLegit, which could lead to their query being featured in an upcoming episode of the series.

Outlines

00:00

🐾 Debunking Cat-Snipers Misinformation

The video script addresses a viral tweet claiming that Ukraine uses cats to detect Russian sniper laser dots during the war. The tweet features a photo of a cat named 'Mikael the Panther of Kharkiv,' suggesting it's a war hero. The host, Ian, from the 'Is This Legit' YouTube series, questions the legitimacy of this claim and starts by noting the tweet's source is unverified and lacks supporting evidence. A Google Reverse Image search reveals fact-checks debunking the claim, including a USA Today article stating there's no evidence of such military use of cats and that lasers are uncommon in sniper warfare. The photo is also dated prior to the conflict. AFP fact-check corroborates this, with a former defense advisor to Ukraine dismissing the story as baseless. The video concludes by advising viewers to be skeptical of unverified photos and to fact-check information, especially during crises.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Cute cat content

Cute cat content refers to the various forms of media featuring cats that are designed to be endearing or amusing. This includes images, videos, and memes that often go viral on the internet. In the context of the video, cute cat content is mentioned as a popular genre online, which is then contrasted with the need for fact-checking, as even feel-good cat stories can be subject to misinformation.

💡Fact-checking

Fact-checking is the process of verifying the accuracy of statements or claims, often in the media. It involves cross-referencing information with reliable sources to ensure that what is being presented is true. The video's theme revolves around fact-checking, as the host investigates the legitimacy of a claim about cats being used in warfare, emphasizing the importance of this practice in the digital age.

💡Misinformation

Misinformation is false or inaccurate information that is spread, regardless of whether there is an intent to deceive. The video script discusses how misinformation can be spread through social media, particularly during crises, and the need to be vigilant about the sources of information we consume.

💡Verified account

A verified account on social media platforms is an account that has been confirmed as authentic by the platform itself, often indicated by a checkmark symbol. The script mentions the importance of checking whether a source is verified, suggesting that information from unverified accounts should be treated with caution.

💡Google Reverse Image search

Google Reverse Image search is a feature that allows users to search the web using an image as the query instead of text. It can help determine the origin of an image or find other instances where it has been used. In the video, this tool is used to fact-check the image of the cat allegedly used in warfare, leading to the discovery of fact-checks that debunk the claim.

💡Fact-check

A fact-check is a report or analysis that investigates the veracity of a specific claim or piece of information. The video references fact-checks from reputable sources like USA Today and AFP, which are used to confirm that the claim about the cat is false.

💡Weaponized animals

Weaponized animals refers to the historical practice of training animals for military purposes, such as using dogs for bomb detection or pigeons for communication. The video script mentions this concept to provide context, contrasting it with the fabricated claim about cats being used to spot sniper lasers.

💡Laser pointers

Laser pointers are devices that emit a concentrated beam of light, often used for presentations or as toys. In the context of the video, the claim that cats are used to spot laser pointers from sniper rifles is debunked, with an expert stating that it is not a common element of sniper warfare and questioning the practicality of such a scenario.

💡Sniper warfare

Sniper warfare involves the use of highly trained marksmen who engage targets from concealed positions at long range. The video discusses the claim that cats are used to detect sniper laser pointers, which is refuted by explaining that lasers are not a common part of sniper warfare tactics.

💡Hashtag #IsThisLegit

The hashtag #IsThisLegit is used by the video's host to encourage viewers to participate in the fact-checking process. It serves as a call to action for the audience to submit potential misinformation for investigation, thereby engaging the community in the pursuit of truth.

Highlights

The Internet is filled with various cat content, but not all online claims are true, including those about cats.

A tweet from February 27th claimed that Ukraine uses cats in the war against Russia.

The tweet alleges that 'Ukraine army cats' are trained to spot sniper laser dots.

The tweet features a photo of a cat named 'Mikael The Panther of Kharkiv'.

The authenticity of the tweet's claim is questioned and investigated.

The tweet gained attention, but it came from an unverified account.

The tweet lacks sources, which raises suspicion about its validity.

A Google Reverse Image search was conducted to fact-check the photo.

Fact-checks from USA Today and AFP debunk the claim that Ukraine uses cats for military purposes.

USA Today reports that there is no evidence of the Ukrainian army using cats to identify sniper lasers.

Lasers are not a common element of sniper warfare, according to USA Today.

The photo in the tweet dates back to 2018, predating the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

AFP fact-check confirms the claim is fabricated, interviewing a former defense advisor to Ukraine.

The story is dismissed as 'Complete garbage' by an expert, questioning its practicality.

The tweet is rated as 'Not Legit' after thorough fact-checking.

Old photos can be misused to spread false stories, emphasizing the need for skepticism.

Fact-checking is crucial for information about Ukraine, even if the story seems appealing.

The series 'Is This Legit' helps viewers learn how to debunk viral misinformation.