The Impact of an AI-Generated Representation of Gaza on Social Media

The image is a bit ambiguous. Is it a collection of tents? Truck beds set against a rust orange backdrop? Perhaps multicolored rectangles?

In the distance, mountains can be seen. In the forefront, the words "All Eyes on Rafah" stand out. This phrase refers to the southernmost city in Gaza, which recently gained attention due to an Israeli attack on a refugee camp within what was supposed to be a safe area. Tragically, this strike resulted in the loss of many lives among the already displaced Palestinian population.

The image that has been circulating widely after the attack appears to have been generated using artificial intelligence. This graphic, although not a real photo from Rafah or the Gaza war, has been shared over 46 million times on Instagram. It has become so common that comedian Tim Dillon remarked that it has been shared as frequently as a new show on NBC.

The popularity of the picture has sparked discussions about the effectiveness of raising awareness. Ayesha Khan, a scientist, pointed out on Instagram that simply drawing attention to Rafah does not actively stop the violence. Posting a vague image is seen as a symbolic gesture, according to Khan and others who have commented.

Nevertheless, the post has gained momentum. Let's explore the origins of the phrase, the source of the graphic, and the potential message it conveys.

The phrase "All Eyes on Rafah" has been seen in different graphics and images related to the Gaza conflict for a while. It is not directly linked to the viral image in question.

It is believed that the idea originated from statements made by Rik Peeperkorn, the leader of the World Health Organization's office in the West Bank and in Gaza in February.

During that period, over 1.5 million Palestinian refugees, who had fled from the northern and central parts of Gaza, were living in overcrowded conditions in the southern city of Rafah. At the same time, Rafah was also being targeted by Israeli airstrikes, aimed at targeting Hamas militants in the region, according to an IDF spokesperson.

Rafah was the center of attention, according to Peeperkorn. This phrase became popular among activists and even appeared in viral graphics.

The creator of the story template on Instagram is credited to user shahv4012. The template includes a watermark for the account chaa.my, which is listed as the user's second account. Despite CNN's attempts to reach out, the user did not respond to requests for comment.

There are a few reasons why this image has become so popular. Faiza Hirji, an associate professor at McMaster University in Ontario who specializes in race, religion, and media, pointed out some factors that may have contributed to its popularity.

One reason for the image's widespread sharing is its shareability. Since it's not a graphic image of violence, but rather a more sanitized version, there's less chance of social media platforms blocking it. This makes it easier for the image to be shared widely compared to actual images of war.

In addition, the image's popularity on Instagram is boosted by a convenient "add yours" feature. This feature allows users to quickly repost the image on their own personal stories, further contributing to its viral spread. The easier it is to share, the more likely people are to share it.

Some people have criticized the image for not accurately representing what is happening in Rafah. In order to understand the graphic, the viewer would need to have prior knowledge of the situation in Rafah and realize that the image being shared does not truly capture the violence and destruction occurring. This has led to mixed opinions, with some finding the graphic more attractive, while others believe it distracts from the reality on the ground.

Hirji noted that for some individuals, this discrepancy can create a sense of discomfort. By drawing attention to an image that fails to convey the true horrors of conflict zones, there is a concern that the seriousness of the situation is being overlooked or downplayed.

Have you ever wondered what 'All Eyes on Rafah' means? Some have noticed that the picture doesn't have the words "Palestine" or "Gaza" on it, even though these names have been heavily talked about long before October 7.

Writer Heben Nigatu mentioned that Rafah might not be a familiar name to everyone. Are people sharing about Rafah without really knowing about it?

There are various reasons why people share an image. Some may share it to urge others to learn more about what is going on in the area, especially in Rafah. Sharing the image could be a way to tell others: "Pay attention. We can't ignore what is happening."

Other interpretations are less charitable. Some argue that the graphic is merely a performative gesture, an image that fails to accurately depict the reality in Gaza, with a vaguely political statement added on top. This is similar to the trend of posting black squares on social media during the racial reckoning of 2020.

However, unlike the discussions around racism following George Floyd’s murder, many individuals in the West feel disconnected from the war in Gaza as it is not happening in their immediate surroundings. This lack of proximity may make it challenging for people to feel empowered in terms of their ability to directly impact the outcome of the conflict.

She expressed her belief that many individuals feel powerless and experience that feeling of powerlessness. Some may just be putting on a show, but for others, raising awareness seems like the only tangible action they can take at the moment. The campaign ‘All Eyes on Rafah’ aims to inform and educate, providing a sense of purpose for those who participate.

However, there is a concern about the concept of “slacktivism,” where individuals believe that simply sharing an infographic multiple times is enough to make a difference in the world.

Khan emphasized the need for actions beyond performative rallies and symbolic protests that do not bring about any real change. Merely bearing witness to injustices is not enough, as it remains a passive act. Posting on social media once a day is not substantial progress either.

The phrase "keeping eyes on" a place actually shifts the focus to the audience rather than the victims like Rafah, creating a disconnect between viewers and those affected. Despite calls to not turn away from suffering, Hirji noted that the world often chooses to do so regardless.

Hirji emphasized the importance of acknowledging our complicity or inaction in certain situations. This, he stated, is one interpretation of the issue at hand.

On the other hand, another interpretation suggests that audiences may position themselves as mere observers to the trauma, leading to indifference and inaction. Hirji pointed out that historical and research evidence from conflicts in the Middle East and the Global South supports this claim. He highlighted the tendency for people to simply watch, judge, and comment on these events without truly understanding the context.

“And is that also a point that some people are trying to make by having this call out? To say: So we’re watching it, now what?” Hirji said. “What happens after watching?”

Editor's P/S:

The image of "All Eyes on Rafah" has sparked a complex discussion about the role of social media in raising awareness and influencing change. While the image has gained widespread attention, some have questioned its effectiveness, arguing that it may oversimplify the situation and lead to a sense of performative activism. The article raises important questions about the responsibility of individuals and the limitations of symbolic gestures in addressing humanitarian crises.

The image has become a viral sensation, capturing the attention of millions on social media. However, some critics argue that it fails to convey the true horrors of the violence in Rafah and may create a sense of complacency among viewers. The article highlights the need for critical engagement with social media content, emphasizing that raising awareness should not be an end in itself but rather a catalyst for meaningful action. True solidarity and support for victims of conflict require a commitment to understanding the complexities of the situation and working towards tangible solutions.