Duck Gate: A Ceiling Collapse Scandal Exposes Deeper Issues in Social Media Authenticity

The video, which initially surfaced on Douyin on April 16, appears to depict a remarkable chain of events that occurred on the evening of April 12. According to the footage, a customer had purchased braised duck, and as the owner was preparing to package the dish, they discovered that the duck had gone bad. In an effort to provide a fresh replacement, the owner turned away for a brief moment, and it was then that the ceiling suddenly collapsed, narrowly missing the owner. However, as the video gained traction and was shared by multiple media outlets, many online users began to question its authenticity, pointing out inconsistencies such as the unrealistic store environment, suspicious camera angles, and potential use of props.

The controversy surrounding the authenticity of the video has sparked divided opinions among online users. Some argue that even if the video was staged, it did not harm anyone's interests and, given the high production costs, it is unlikely that the scene was deliberately fabricated for promotional purposes. However, a larger number of users have expressed outrage, condemning the media's inaccurate reporting and dissemination of the video. They argue that the real issue lies in the media's lack of accountability and call for journalists to be held responsible for their publications, advocating for a system where media outlets must clearly identify their authors and take responsibility for any problems that arise.

As a result of the incident, the related accounts were banned from being followed, and all videos were cleared. Netizens had different opinions on this, but most believed that this incident once again exposed the media's dereliction of duty and irresponsibility in information dissemination. Many are now urging media editors to take responsibility for their publications, facing penalties similar to those imposed on individual social media users when mistakes are made. Ultimately, the incident highlights the importance of maintaining a clear head and learning to distinguish between true and false information when faced with online content, and serves as a reminder of the need for greater accountability in the world of social media and online influencing.