When Halloween Magic Meets AI
There’s a saying that seeing is believing, but Halloween 2025 proved that even the most adorable sights online can be illusions. In late October, TikTok was flooded with hilarious videos of elderly residents dressed in pun-filled costumes. The clips had viewers laughing out loud, resharing, and marveling at the seniors’ creativity.
@basincreekretirement Mrs. Watson ain’t no Wannabe. 🧂👧 #basincreekretirementvillage #halloween #costume #funny #easy ♬ original sound – basincreekretirement
Mrs Watson, decked out in a sweater adorned with spice bottles, proudly declared herself a “Spice Girl,” racking up over 15 million views. Mrs Dalton’s terracotta pot on her head earned her 2.8 million views as a “pot head.” Meanwhile, Mr Bennet, with rows of golden coins taped to his chest, confidently introduced himself as a “treasure chest,” captivating more than 2.5 million viewers.
@basincreekretirement Mrs. Dalton’s one of our more laid-back residents. 🪴🎃 #basincreekretirementvillage #halloween #costume #easy #funny ♬ original sound – basincreekretirement
@basincreekretirement Mr. Bennett said he’s feeling priceless today. 🪙 #basincreekretirementvillage #halloween #costume #easy #funny ♬ original sound – basincreekretirement
For a moment, it seemed like the retirement home seniors had become TikTok legends.
The AI Reveal
However, the joy turned to surprise—or even disappointment—when viewers realized the beloved seniors weren’t real. The account behind the videos, Basin Creek Retirement, had been upfront in its bio all along: “Welcome to Basin Creek Retirement Village. Community, care and bingo every Thursday. A fictional world made with AI and a lot of love.”
Their website confirmed it: Basin Creek isn’t a real place, but a lovingly crafted digital world, complete with a gift shop selling themed merchandise.
The revelation sparked mixed reactions online. Many TikTokers admitted feeling deceived, while others simply marveled at how realistic AI has become. PolitiFact posted a video exposing the truth, captioned: “Wanna hear something really spooky?”
@politifact Wanna hear something really spooky? 🎃 This viral video of elderly people showing off clever Halloween costumes was made with AI. 😱 The account creating these videos promotes a gift shop for a fictional retirement community. #ai #halloween #retirement #costume #factcheck ♬ Hocus Pocus Halloween Theme – Wealthy Tunes
@leashdogx #stitch with @basincreekretirement#ai #basincreek #cuteoldpeople ♬ original sound – basincreekretirement
Comments poured in:
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“Why can’t we have a bit of joy?” one viewer lamented.
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“This is infuriating. Plenty of actors would do it just for fun,” another wrote.
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“I’ve fallen for four AI videos. So close to giving up on the internet,” a third admitted.
The Power and Danger of AI
These viral clips are a reminder of how advanced AI has become. The technology can craft hyper-realistic, heartwarming moments that feel genuine—even fooling experienced social media users. While the videos brought smiles, they also sparked a debate about digital literacy, the ethics of AI content, and our increasing skepticism of online media.
It’s a digital cautionary tale: whether it’s adorable seniors, historical reenactments, or celebrity cameos, the line between reality and AI fiction is getting blurrier. For viewers, a little scepticism—and a closer look at account bios—may be the only way to separate magic from illusion.
As AI continues to evolve, so too must our media literacy. Basin Creek Retirement Village may be fictional, but the lessons it leaves are real: charm, humor, and viral engagement can be manufactured—but the joy they bring doesn’t have to be fake. Just remember, next time a heartwarming video pops up in your feed, double-check whether the stars are real—or a product of digital wizardry.
Source: IOL
Featured Image: Yahoo