In early September 2024, a peculiar claim surfaced on social media, suggesting that the well-known toy company Fisher-Price was selling a "My First Dealer Kit." This supposed kit included various items that raised eyebrows, such as a gray hoodie, a firearm, cash, and even marijuana! The image that accompanied this claim quickly went viral, prompting discussions and debates across various platforms. With the rise of misinformation online, it's crucial to investigate the authenticity of such sensational claims.
One user on Facebook shared a post that read: "‘My first dealer kit’ by Fisher-Price. Get 'em before they gone lol n yes they are real hahah." This comment reflects the humorous yet concerning manner in which such claims can be taken. The post gained traction, appearing on platforms like X, YouTube, Threads, and 9GAG, further spreading the rumor.
However, the origin of this image was dubious. Several signs indicated that it was likely created using generative artificial intelligence. Misspelled words and a lack of consistency in branding pointed to its inauthenticity. For instance, the packaging displayed "Fisher Picce" instead of "Price," and "KT" instead of "KIT." These discrepancies raise red flags about the image's legitimacy.
To elaborate, AI-generated content has become increasingly sophisticated, making it challenging for the average user to distinguish between real and fabricated images. This growing trend underscores the need for vigilance and critical thinking when encountering sensational claims online.
Online AI detection tools, like Hive Moderation, assessed the post's likelihood of containing AI-generated content, rating it at 99.8%. This statistic emphasizes the importance of verifying information before sharing it, as misinformation can easily spread and lead to public misconceptions.
As of the time of writing, Mattel, the parent company of Fisher-Price, has not listed such a product in their inventory. We reached out for comment and will update if we receive a response. In the past, Snopes has debunked similar hoaxes involving children's toys, such as the "My First Vape" and "My First Hookah."
Evon, Dan. "Is 'My First Hookah' a Real Toy?" Snopes, 16 Dec. 2021, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/is-my-first-hookah-a-real-toy/.
Hive Moderation. https://hivemoderation.com/ai-generated-content-detection. Accessed 3 Sept. 2024.
LaCapria, Kim. "Fisher Price Happy Hour Playset." Snopes, 7 Dec. 2016, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/fisher-price-happy-hour-playset/.
MacGuill, Dan. "Is the 'My First Vape' Children's Toy Real?" Snopes, 11 Sept. 2017, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/my-first-vape-toy/.
"Search: 0 Results Found for 'My First de Fer Kit.'" Mattel Shop, https://shop.mattel.com/search?q=%22my+first+de+fer+kit%22. Accessed 3 Sept. 2024.
Threads. https://www.threads.net/@official5starfranchise/post/C-s64o3y2Oo. Accessed 3 Sept. 2024.
YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qepm290Jubg. Accessed 3 Sept. 2024.
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