How to Identify AI-Generated Images: Insider Tips, Techniques, & Pro Tools

AI-GENERATED IMAGES – In this article, you will learn how to identify artificial intelligence (AI) images on the internet.

In a society where artificial intelligence is spreading rapidly, distinguishing authentic images from digitally fabricated ones has become more challenging than ever. Previously contending with Photoshop, we now find ourselves unable to trust if the individuals portrayed in images are authentic.

However, do not fret, for I am here to navigate you through this maze of pixels. I will lead you through the most common indicators that an image is AI-generated.

Metadata

Before we become suspicious of everything, let’s consider metadata. In essence, it is the information attached to a picture, revealing who captured it and how (think of it as a human touch!).

However, the absence of metadata doesn’t always imply that an image wasn’t created by a real person. It’s possible to remove this data before uploading the file to the web.

Nevertheless, having metadata does increase the likelihood that an image is authentic. Therefore, pay attention to these details the next time you download an image.

I mean, what are the chances of an AI-generated image having details like “camera model” or “exposure time” attached to it? Highly improbable.

Here’s how to check metadata on Mac:

1. Download the image.

2. Right-click the image.

3. Select “Get Info.”

Here’s how to check metadata on Windows:

1. Download the image.

2. Right-click the image.

3. Select “Properties.”

4. Navigate to the “Details” tab.

Indicators that should raise suspicion

Perfect symmetry: AI takes symmetry to an extreme level. You’ll recognize it when you see everything appearing unnaturally balanced, to the extent that you could fold the image in half and have a perfect mirror image.

Distortion: AI images usually contain a hint of distortion. Examine faces in a crowd, and you may find individuals who appear as though they’ve been immersed in an oil painting.

Unusual proportions: Objects might appear too large or small, like cars towering over houses or doorways so small that one wonders how anyone could pass through.

Shadows and light: Real-world photos adhere to the laws of physics, but AI does not. Shadows tend to be inconsistent and lack logical direction.

Unnatural textures: AI tends to render textures impeccably, resulting in an unnatural smoothness devoid of natural textures or color variations. Conversely, it can create hyper-realistic portraits with visible wrinkles, pores, and blemishes.

Watermarks: Most free AI image generators imprint watermarks on their creations, usually located in the bottom right corner, taking the form of a logo or text pointing to the site or application.

Weirdness: Despite continuous AI advancements, there remains an element of the peculiar. Look for anomalies such as oddly shaped features, excessive fingers, or mismatched accessories. Often, it’s the small details that give it away!

Tools you can use

If you still feel uncertain about the origin of an image, allow me to introduce a few AI detection tools that have caught my attention. They’re also free. How convenient!

AI or Not: Just drag and drop, upload, or paste an image URL into the search bar, and AI or Not will indicate whether it’s legitimate.

Hugging Face: Similar to AI or Not, but it provides the AI verdict in percentages (e.g., 20% human and 80% artificial).

Oh, and let’s not forget our trusted ally, reverse image search. If Google returns the same image from credible sources, it’s likely authentic. However, if it directs you to an AI website, you might want to be cautious.