When the Pope in a Puffer Jacket Sings, You Might Learn Something

The Columbia Journalism Review is tackling AI misinformation with a beat you can hum. Their new campaign, “The PSAi,” turns viral AI-generated images—like a stylish Pope Francis or a Zuckerberg lurking outside a window—into animated, lip-syncing cautionary tales. Developed with TBWAChiatDay New York and scored by Pickle Music, the music video doesn't just entertain, it educates viewers on how to spot fake visuals—those increasingly seamless AI creations slipping into our feeds.

It’s an earworm with a purpose: get people to hit pause before they hit share. With 76% of respondents in a recent Attest study unable to distinguish AI-generated images from real ones, the timing couldn't be more pressing. “The PSAi” channels the spirit of “Dumb Ways to Die,” combining levity with serious stakes. The web-based companion digs deeper, offering context and practical spotting tips for dozens of viral deepfakes featured in the video.

Rather than demonizing AI, the campaign reframes it as a tool—one that can both create fakes and teach people to detect them. It’s also a reminder that the line between news and meme hasn’t just blurred; it’s doing choreography now. With additional AI-focused stories rolling out through CJR—including a collaboration with USC's AIMS program—the campaign brings both rhythm and rigor to a conversation that’s only getting louder.

Read more at AdAge.