AI-generated content is becoming a big part of our online world, making it tough to tell what’s real and what’s not—especially when it comes to breaking news. A recent example is the ongoing conflict involving Iran, where misinformation has spread rapidly. Since the U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, researchers have spotted a huge number of fake images and videos on social media, including scenes of bombings that never occurred and manipulated footage of soldiers.
Today marks the 10th annual International Fact-Checking Day, a perfect time to discuss the challenges we face with misinformation. AI-generated content can spread faster than ever, with countless accounts sharing misleading information from all sides of the conflict.
According to research by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, many X accounts are responsible for a substantial portion of this misleading content, tallying over a billion views since the conflict began. These accounts, often verified with blue check marks, are pivotal in the spread of AI-generated misinformation.
So, how can you tell if what you’re seeing online is real? Here are some practical tips:
Look for Visual Clues
When AI images first appeared, they often had obvious signs of being fake—like people with too few or too many fingers or text that didn’t make sense. Although these signs are less common now, you should still keep an eye out for oddities. Check for inconsistencies, like a car that disappears in the middle of a video or actions that defy the laws of physics. Some images may appear overly polished or shiny, which could also be a red flag.
Seek Out a Source
AI-generated images are often shared repeatedly, so it’s essential to find their original source. You can use reverse image search tools to track down where an image came from. If you’re looking at a video, take a screenshot and search for it. This might lead you to social media accounts that specialize in AI-generated content or reveal if an older image is being misrepresented.
Listen to the Experts
To verify an image, look for multiple trusted sources. This can include fact-checks from reputable media outlets or statements from public figures. Experts often have advanced tools and techniques to identify AI-generated content that may not be available to the general public.
Make Use of Technology
There are various AI detection tools available that can help you identify fake content. However, be cautious, as these tools are not infallible. Some AI-generated images might include invisible watermarks that can be detected by specific apps. Still, the absence of a watermark doesn’t necessarily mean an image is real.
Slow Down
Sometimes, the best approach is to take a moment and breathe before sharing something you’re unsure about. Misinformation often thrives on emotional reactions, so pausing to think can help. Check comments or discussions around the content; others might have already identified it as fake or found the original source. Remember, it’s not always possible to determine with 100% certainty whether an image is AI-generated, so stay alert.
If you come across something that seems false or misleading, you can report it by emailing FactCheck@ap.org.
___
You can find more AP Fact Checks here: AP Fact Check.
