Images, videos and text created by artificial intelligence (AI) can be found just about anywhere online — but if they’re not labeled, you may not even realize it. This can spread disinformation which is false information that is deliberately intended to mislead.
Learning how to identify AI generated content is key in making sure you’re not misled. Here are some tips to help you out.
Images
Watch out for misplaced content
When it comes to spotting AI, the details really do matter.
Look out for:
- Missing or misplaced objects or body parts (especially hands)
- Incorrect shadows and lighting
- Text that doesn’t make sense or form real letters
Be suspicious of smooth features
AI often creates unrealistic textures for skin and fabric.
Look out for:
- Humans who appear glossy or have unusual smooth skin or clothing
- Smooth, crisp images with heavily blurred backgrounds
Check for watermarks
Some AI apps add a watermark, like a small logo, to the images they generate.
Look out for:
- Icons or text on an image indicating it was created with AI
Videos
Be aware of body language
AI doesn’t always create natural movements when making humans or other creatures move.
Look out for:
- people who don't blink
Consider lighting
Consistent lighting isn’t always common in AI-generated videos.
Look out for:
- shadows, blurs or light flickers where there shouldn’t be
Listen for irregular audio
Audio, especially voices, can be a sign of AI generation.
Look out for:
- Unnatural and flat tone
- Unexpected background noises
- Choppy sentences
Text
No emotion
Unlike human writing, AI-generated content is often uniform and factual.
Look out for:
- Writing that doesn’t include personal opinions
- A dry, “robotic” or matter-of-fact tone
- Emotionless formal writing
Do a fact-check
Some AI tools are trained on old data, giving false information about current events.
Look out for:
- Information that’s out dated
- Exaggerated “facts”
- Fake sources and references
Watch for repetition
Even AI has favourite words and phrases.
Look out for:
- Words or phrases repeated over and over again
Don’t fall for online AI-generated content
- Check your sources to see where information is from
- Reverse-search images to find their original context
- Don’t rely on AI detection tools as they are often unreliable
