5 Signs an Image is AI-Generated: How to Spot the Difference
Artificial intelligence has advanced to the point where distinguishing real photos from AI-generated ones can be challenging. However, certain subtle clues can help you identify when an image isn't quite what it seems. Here's what to look for.
Trust Your Gut Feeling
Sometimes, an image just doesn't feel right, even if you can't immediately pinpoint why. This instinct is tied to the "uncanny valley" effect—a phenomenon where something looks almost human but feels unsettlingly off. AI-generated images often trigger this response. If you sense something is wrong, it's worth taking a closer look. That strange feeling might be your first clue.
Check the Hands
Hands are notoriously difficult for AI to replicate accurately. AI-generated images may feature oddities like extra fingers, fingers that are all the same length, or hands positioned in unnatural ways. These inconsistencies are often a clear sign that the image was created by a machine rather than captured by a camera.
Examine the Eyes
Eyes are another tricky area for AI. In human faces, pupils are perfectly round, and the light reflects consistently in both eyes. AI sometimes struggles with this, leading to unusual reflections, misaligned lighting, or pupils that look slightly off. In AI-generated videos, you might also notice that the person blinks less frequently than normal, which can be a giveaway.
Look for Strange Text or Tattoos
AI has a hard time with text and tattoos. If you see gibberish or jumbled letters where there should be readable text, or if a tattoo looks distorted or nonsensical, it's a strong indicator that the image isn't real. This happens because AI stitches together elements from many images, but doesn't always understand how to assemble them correctly.
Pay Attention to Lights and Shadows
Lighting is another area where AI often falls short. In real photos, shadows and reflections follow specific patterns based on the light source. AI-generated images might have shadows that don't match the light source or reflections that look out of place. For instance, a window reflection might seem off, or a shadow might be cast in the wrong direction. These inconsistencies are strong clues that the image was artificially created.
As AI continues to evolve, it's becoming more challenging to distinguish between real and generated images. However, by paying attention to these small details—trusting your instincts, examining hands and eyes, and scrutinizing text, lighting, and shadows—you can often tell when an image is AI-generated. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll be better equipped to spot the difference.