With access to instant information and the increased use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), we leave ourselves vulnerable to ingesting mis- and disinformation, which could have a lasting negative impact on society. How can we protect ourselves from misinformation and ensure we are not misled? We have some valuable tips to spot fake news and AI-generated images.
Detecting Fake News:
- Is it Credible? Look at the source of the information. Official news organizations with a history of reliability are generally more trustworthy than obscure or anonymous sources.
- Who’s the Author? Check the author’s credentials and expertise. Experts are more likely to provide accurate information on that topic.
- Who else is writing about this? Look for the same information across multiple respected sources. If only one source reports the story, it may be less reliable.
- What is the Evidence: Check if the claims are supported by credible evidence or data. Reliable information often includes verifiable sources, studies, or references.
- What is the Date and Context? Make sure the information is current and relevant. Outdated or historical information can sometimes be misleading if presented as current.
Detecting AI-generated Images:
- Look for Inconsistencies: AI-generated images might have distorted or unrealistic details, such as asymmetrical faces, unnatural body proportions, or odd textures. They can also sometimes have blurred or inconsistent backgrounds and edges, particularly around objects or people.
- Look for Watermarks or Signatures: Some AI-generated images might have embedded watermarks or signatures that indicate they were created by an AI tool or platform.
- Assess the Context: Consider where the image came from and whether the source is known for using AI-generated content.
- Get Familiar with AI: Learn about popular AI image generation tools and their typical outputs. Understanding how these tools work and their common artifacts can help you spot AI-generated images.