Recently, an international debate was unleashed after the discovery of strange messages of visible help on Google Maps on land in Los Angeles, United States. These signs, which seemed to write the word “help” (help in English), were detected by several users on the online maps platform, which quickly generated conspiracy theories and speculation on social networks.
The phenomenon went viral when people around the world began sharing screenshots that showed the mysterious signs on a property in the Californian city. Immediately, users began to theorize about their origin, with some suggesting that they could be signs of an illegal activity or even in danger, while others considered the possibility that they were related to a message of help of some type of sect or clandestine group.
However, after a deeper investigation, experts and authorities have clarified that it is not a real emergency message, but an intentional artistic project. As they explained, these signs were created by a group of urban artists as part of an intervention in public space. The work, which plays with the idea of ”help” and visibility in the digital environment, was carried out using paint on the ground, which became a curiosity for those who explored the area through Google Maps.
On the other hand, Google clarified that the maps system has no control over the images captured by satellites and, in some cases, it can take photographs of artistic projects without the necessary context, which resulted in this mass confusion. In this sense, the company said that it works constantly to update the images and guarantee a precise representation of the places on its platforms.
Although the mystery behind these signs was resolved, the event generated a reflection on the influence of digital platforms and how a small detail in an image can generate global reactions. In addition, it highlighted the growing interest in digital phenomena and their impact on public perception.
In conclusion, what seemed like a sign of help was revealed as an artistic work that, although not intentionally disturbing, showed the power of networks and technology in the creation of viral phenomena.
