How to tell if images are AI-generated

That picture of a cute cat cuddling an equally cute baby deer might not have been a miracle of nature, but it could have been generated by AI. As these generative tools evolve, they’re able to move away from the written word and create stylistic images from AI prompts in styles that range from cartoonish to realistic. Learn how you can determine if the image you’re looking at is based in reality or if it was created by generative AI.

The impact of images generated by AI

AI-generated images have the potential to lead to consequences such as spreading false information that easily trick or manipulate their audience. With just a few lines, users can easily create images that appear to be realistic as possible. This can include everything from a beautiful sunset to a specific individual caught in a compromising position (also known as deepfakes). Nefarious uses of fake images include blackmail and extortion—as well as online crimes like phishing or financial scams.

When you’re unsure if an image was created by an artist or taken by a photographer, it can pay to do some additional work to determine its veracity. This can help you avoid legal issues that can arise with AI.

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How to detect AI images

In an ideal world, those posting online will adhere to ethical standards and disclose that their images were created by AI—and in fact, many social media platforms are working on ways to detect and generate these disclaimers automatically.

However, there are a few techniques that you can use to avoid getting duped or manipulated:

Pay attention to distortions

AI-generated images can still have limitations, especially when pertaining to fine details. Look for extra hands, fingers, or limbs in a photo of people, for example, or blurred faces in both people and animals.

Look for a watermark

Some generative AI tools will automatically generate a watermark that can appear in the lower corners of an image, appear faintly in the background, or be invisibly embedded within the image’s code.

Check the image’s description

Online images will include metadata such as when it was created, the file format, and the tools used to create or modify the image. Digital photographs will also include additional information such as the make and model of the camera used and the camera settings. The goal of this information is to identify the image’s original source.

Use an AI image detection tool

Similarly, AI detection tools can extract watermarks and metadata from uploaded images to determine whether a piece of media is from a genuine source or if it was created by a prompt.

As AI-generated images proliferate across the Internet, it’s not always easy to gauge the intentions behind their human creators. This is why it pays to stay vigilant online. Avoid the potential for disinformation that AI-generated content might create, while still using the power of everyday AI tools to fit your own needs.