Spotting AI in the Wild

April 30, 2024

AI generated images and text are EVERYWHERE.  It isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but you should know what AI is capable of creating.  You have probably heard of Deepfakes*.  It’s the dark side of AI’s capabilities.  There have been several stories in the news lately and it will get worse.  Here’s my #1 tip to help you spot any AI generated media — Question and verify what you are seeing.  If it seems a little off or a little too perfect, it’s probably worth looking into further.

So how do you spot AI generated images and text??? Well, it’s getting harder, but there are a few things to look for.  Take a look at the article in the next section.  It was written by AI.  I asked CoPilot to write a short article on how to spot AI generated text and images.  While the article has good information, you will notice that it doesn’t read like anything I would have written.  That’s a good clue that it is AI generated.

For AI created images, look for unnatural looking hands or too many limbs or oddly placed items.  Also look for duplicate things in the image . . . repeated hairstyles, poses, clothing, etc.  These are good indicators of an AI generated image.

For AI created videos, look for grainy and/or choppy video, poor lip sync, inconsistent shadows, and the big indicator — your gut reaction.  Does the video seem real or is “something just not right”?

Although AI can be helpful and used for good, it can also be used for bad.  It’s important that you to know what AI is capable of creating so you aren’t misled.

If you have questions you can always set up a time to chat with me.

*According to Merriam-Webster:
Deepfake — An image or recording that has been convincingly altered and manipulated to misrepresent someone as doing or saying something that was not actually done or said.

 

Written by AI

How to Spot AI-Generated Images and Text: A Friendly Guide

Hey there, friends! 🌟 Have you ever stumbled upon an image or a piece of text online and wondered, “Hmm, did a human or a clever AI create this?” Well, you’re not alone! As AI gets more sophisticated, it’s becoming trickier to tell the difference. But fear not! I’m here to share some insider tips on how to spot AI-generated content. Let’s dive in!

  1. Too Perfect to Be True? 🖼️ AI-generated images often look a little too perfect. If you’re looking at a photo and can’t find a single hair out of place, or if the shadows and lighting look like they were calculated by, well, a computer, you might be looking at an AI masterpiece.

  2. The Devil’s in the Details Take a closer look at the small stuff. AI sometimes gets tripped up on intricate details like reflections in mirrors or water, complex patterns, or even jewelry. If these elements look odd or out of place, it’s a red flag!

  3. Text Too Textbook? 📚 When it comes to text, AI can be a bit of a know-it-all. If an article reads like it was written by a textbook or lacks a personal touch, it might be AI-generated. Look for a natural flow and human quirks that usually come with genuine writing.

  4. Repetition, Repetition, Repetition AI loves to repeat itself. If you notice certain phrases or words being used over and over again, it’s a sign that you might be reading something spun up by an AI.

  5. Check the Source 👀 Do a little detective work! If you can trace the content back to a reputable human author or a credible website, it’s likely genuine. If not, well, you might have just spotted an AI in the wild.

Remember, while AI is getting better at mimicking humans, it’s still not perfect. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll become a pro at distinguishing between man-made and machine-made content in no time!

And there you have it, folks! A quick guide to spotting AI-generated images and text. Stay curious and keep questioning what you see online. After all, it’s a wild digital world out there! 🌐💡

I hope you found this guide helpful and fun to read! If you have any questions or want to learn more, just let me know. Happy sleuthing! 🔍😄

! Do not give personal/confidential/sensitive information to any AI.  Think twice before giving AI a pictures of yourself; once you do, AI can use your likeness for other images.