How to Spot AI-Generated Images: Did Your Buddy Bob Really Go Bungee Jumping Off the Grand Canyon?

Imagine you’re scrolling through Facebook and suddenly see a picture of your old friend Bob bungee jumping off the Grand Canyon. You think, “Bob?! The guy who won’t even get on a step stool without wearing knee pads?”

Yep, something doesn’t add up here. And, in this day and age, there’s a good chance you’re looking at an AI-generated image.

AIArtificial Intelligence (AI) is basically when computers get smart—really smart. Imagine if your c... More technology is getting scary good at creating photos that look pretty darn real. And it’s to the point where, when done well, it’s nearly impossible to tell AI images from “real” ones.

But there are some things you can do to try and spot AI images. So, let’s dive into how you can tell if that picture of Cousin Ethel wrestling an alligator is legit or just another AI trick.

Why AI Images Aren’t Always Bad (But Sometimes They Are!)

Now, before we get our support hose in a twist, let’s remember that AI-generated images aren’t always out to bamboozle us.

For instance, imagine you’re writing a story about a unicorn detective solving crimes in New York City (hey, retirement is the perfect time to start that novel!).

With AI, you could generate images of your horn-headed hero chasing perps through Central Park without having to learn to draw or hire an artist.

Or maybe you want to see what you’d look like with that mohawk you never dared to get in the ’60s. AI’s got you covered, without the commitment or the disapproving looks from your grandkids.

AI can also generate ideas or fill in backgrounds for artists, saving them time. Think of it as a tool like a paintbrush—just a much more tech-savvy one.

However, AI images become a problem when they’re used to mislead people, especially in politics, or to harm someone’s reputation.

That’s why it’s important to learn how to try to spot them, so you’re not fooled by something that’s too good—or too weird—to be true.

Tips for Spotting AI-Generated Images

Now, let’s get down to brass tacks. How can you tell if an image is the real McCoy or a computer’s fever dream? Here’s what to look for:

1. Focus on the Details: Hands, Faces, and Hair (Oh My!)

AI-generated images are getting better, but they often struggle with the details. Here are some common things to watch out for:

Hands and Fingers: AI often struggles with hands like your arthritis on a rainy day. If fingers look like they belong on an alien or a character from a Salvador Dali painting, you might be looking at an AI creation.

Faces: Check the teeth, eyes, and ears. AI often messes up the spacing, makes the eyes look in slightly different directions, or gives people a bit of a “plastic doll” look.

Hair: AI also struggles with hair—especially if it’s supposed to be blowing in the wind. Look for parts of the hair that just don’t quite look right, like strands that seem to disappear into thin air.

2. Look for Garbled Text

If there’s writing in the image that looks like it was typed by a cat walking across a keyboard, that’s a red flag.

AI often fumbles with text, creating words that would make your Scrabble group weep.

3. What’s Going On In the Background?

Check the background for things that don’t quite add up. Are the stairs going sideways? Is that lamp floating?

Unless you’re looking at photos from the Winchester Mystery House, something’s probably amiss.

4. Is It Too Perfect?

If everyone in the photo looks like they just stepped out of a beauty magazine from 1955, be suspicious.

AI tends to make things a little too perfect, like a world where wrinkles and blemishes don’t exist (if only!).

5. Try a Reverse Image Search

If you’re still not sure, you can always do a reverse image search. It’s simple:

1. Go to GoogleGoogle is a multinational technology company known for its internet-related products and services, i... More Images.
2. Click on the little camera iconAn icon is a small graphical symbol used to represent an object, action, or concept in a digital int... More in the search barA search bar is a user interface element commonly found on websites, applications, and digital platf... More.
3. UploadUpload is the process of transferring data or files from a local device or computer to a remote serv... More the picture in question.

This will show you where else the image appears online. If it only shows up in a few places or on some weird, obscure sites, it’s likely AI-generated. If it leads you to a reputable news site, it’s probably the real deal.

6. Use AI Detection Tools (But Don’t Rely Only on Them)

There are also tools specifically designed to spot AI images, like AI or Not, Hive Moderation, or SDXL Detector. I’ve never used them myself.

According to those who have, these tools can be very accurate, but they’re not perfect.

Sometimes they’ll get it wrong—like when they thought an army of chipmunks scaling a rock wall was real. So, use them as a helpful extra step, but not as the only one.

The Bottom Line: Trust, But Verify

As we navigate this brave new world of AI-generated images, remember: it’s not about becoming a digital Sherlock Holmes overnight. It’s about staying curious, keeping your wits about you, and maybe impressing the grandkids with your newfound tech savvy.

So the next time you see a photo of your cousin Mildred wrestling an alligator in her backyard, take a moment to consider – is this a stunning feat of senior athleticism, or just another AI pulling your leg?

Either way, it’ll make for a great story at your next bridge club meeting.