Winnie-The-Pooh Crockpot Draws Awe—Too Bad It’s A Hoax Cooked Up By AI
By Mikelle Leow, 30 Jan 2024
Photo 30163270 © Murdock2013 | Dreamstime.com
A charming Winnie-the-Pooh crockpot, said to be available at Walmart, has turned out to be nothing but a hunny trap. Social media went abuzz when an image of the cookware, adorned with the cheerful visage of the beloved bear and his iconic red shirt, began circulating. Alas, this “photo” was a figment of artificial intelligence’s imagination, proving once again that you can’t believe everything you see on the internet.
This faux crockpot, complete with a decorative button that supposedly added to its functionality, captured the hearts of many. Enthusiasts rushed online, hoping to snag this whimsical kitchen gadget for themselves or their loved ones.
“I want this for my wife. Where can I get it, please?” one person fervently asked on Facebook.
Shoppers who search their local store will find themselves in a sticky situation, however.
Despite its convincing, sweet-as-honey looks, the image harbors clues of synthetic origins—such as a featureless dial and inconsistently rendered letters, common pitfalls in AI-generated content.
Yet, all hope is not lost for those looking to infuse their homes with a slice of the Hundred Acre Wood. Authentic Winnie the Pooh-themed kitchenware does exist, such as an official Disney-licensed, seven-quart slow cooker available at Walmart for US$64.99.
Another version, adorned with a map of the Hundred Acre Wood, retails for US$84.99 on Amazon. And for those leaning more towards décor, a Hunny Pot ceramic mini planter, complete with an artificial succulent for that evergreen touch, ranges between US$21.99 and US$24.99.
All this goes to show that while AI can create whimsy and wonder, it can also take us down rabbit holes that may not lead to the treasures we seek.