AI or real - How to detect images

Artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake technology have blurred the line between real and fake visuals, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish authentic images from fabricated ones.

Social media feeds are flooded with photos and videos that often leave viewers wondering whether they are genuine or artificially generated.

Experts, however, say that with a few techniques and a sharp eye, fake content can often be detected.

Zoom in for inconsistencies

Enlarging an image can reveal telltale flaws. Look closely at a person’s eyes, lips, jawline, hands, or fingers — unnatural distortions are common. Blurred edges around the face can also be a giveaway. In videos, lip movements may not sync with the audio, and teeth may appear unnaturally aligned or disjointed.

Look for emotional mismatch

Real human emotions trigger subtle physical reactions — a smile engages facial muscles, tears affect the eyes and cheeks. Deepfake or face-swap tools often fail to replicate these micro-expressions perfectly, making emotional responses look unnatural or incomplete.

Examine the whole frame

While a single portrait may look convincing, AI often struggles with complex group photos or dynamic scenes. This can result in mismatched limbs, extra fingers, or anatomically impossible poses that appear strange on closer inspection.

Study the background

If the setting looks unrealistic or mismatched with the subject, it could be AI-generated. Many synthetic images feature dreamlike or distorted backgrounds that don’t exist in real life.

Verify the source

Consider why and where the image might have originated. A reverse image search can help confirm authenticity. For public figures, cross-checking with reputable sources makes verification easier.

Experts stress that while AI-generated visuals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, an attentive and skeptical eye can still catch subtle errors.

They advise users not to jump to conclusions based solely on what they see online, but to investigate further before sharing or believing potentially misleading content.