In today’s digital age, spotting AI can create images so realistic that they are problematic to distinguish from real photographs. AI-generated photos are becoming increasingly common and appealing. Everyone must be informed about them. This new technology raises awareness.
Here, we’ll explain how to recognise spotting AI images, whether you’re an internet user, a journalist, or just a curious person.
1. Pay close attention to facial features
Creating fake portraits of people is one of the most popular applications of AI graphics. The results can be impressive, but not always perfect. Please note:
- Asymmetry: Human faces are usually symmetrical. Spotting AI faces can have asymmetrical ears or eyes, as well as shifted facial features.
- Non-standard eyes or teeth: Look out for glasses or lenses that are misaligned, such as an extra tooth that doesn’t fit snugly against the eye sockets. Also, check the difference in illumination between the eyes.
- Blurred or fuzzy areas: The AI may have difficulty drawing fine details, such as hair patches, earrings, or glasses that are applied to the skin.
2. Check background details
AI often creates strange or surreal backgrounds. Here are some warning signs:
- Distorted or nonsensical objects: Look out for signs of problems, such as distorted reflections, distorted architecture, or deformed hands.
- Mismatch of lighting and shadows: In real photographs, the light source is constant. Shadows in images generated by AI can appear in the wrong direction or even be missing entirely.
- Unreadable text: The background may contain text written on signs, books, or other objects. Instead, it can appear as a disorganised set of words.
3. Zoom in on the image to identify artefacts
At first glance, spotting AI images may look perfect, but when zoomed in, they are often observed:
- Texture problems: The skin may look waxy or too smooth.
- Repetition: Patterns such as hair, grass, or fabric can unnaturally repeat.
- Lack of EXIF data: metadata is usually present on genuine digital photos. Images generated by AI, especially those from DALL-E and Midjourney, often do not contain this data.
4. Use reverse image search
If you have any doubts about the image:
- Check with a Google reverse image search, TinEye, or a Bing visual search.
- If you didn’t find exact matches and the image looks too perfect or stylised, it’s probably artificial.
Some spotting AI images are unique and not found on any other website; It can also be a clue.
5. Define redundant flawlessness
spotting AI images often appear unrealistically perfect and perfectly symmetrical, as if they were created to showcase perfection.
Ask yourself this question:
- Does this photo look realistic?
- Does it create the impression of high-quality visualisation or fabulous embodiment?
6. Look for watermarks or clues from AI tools
Sometimes image generators leave visual clues or in the metadata:
- You can detect small watermarks and logos on the corners.
- Some platforms include hints in file names and metadata (e.g., “generated by MidJourney”).
- You can spot fakes with online AI detectors like Hive Moderation or Illuminaty.
7. Understand the context
If the image looks suspicious:
- Is it related to sensational news but obtained from an unknown source?
- Does it have any purpose? Is the video being used to sell anything or promote a news message?
- Does the image seem too good to be true?
Before viewing an image, carefully evaluate its origin and purpose.
Conclusion
Spotting AI images can be a valuable tool, but they also raise significant questions about digital identity and authenticity. Recognising such images is becoming increasingly useful as AI becomes increasingly integrated into our lives; familiarity with these methods is not only helpful but also necessary.
You will be able to navigate the digital universe with confidence and clarity if you are observant and keep asking questions.