The unsettling rise of fake AI photos poses significant challenges to trust and authenticity in digital media, affecting even the world’s biggest celebrities.
With advancements in AI image generation, it’s becoming easier to create highly realistic yet entirely fabricated photos that can deceive even the most discerning eyes. Last month, Donald Trump shared one of these fake images, which depicted singer Taylor Swift seeming to support him. During her endorsement of Kamala Trump, Swift slammed the use of these computer-generated images.
“Recently, I was made aware that AI of ‘me’ falsely endorsing Donald Trump’s presidential run was posted to his site. It really conjured up my fears around AI and the dangers of spreading misinformation. It brought me to the conclusion that I need to be very transparent about my actual plans for this election as a voter,” part of her statement read.
These images are sadly running rampant during election season, helping to fuel fake news and manipulate public opinion, making it difficult to discern truth from fiction. One fake image in particular that has gone viral on social media appears to show Trump standing with five Black women “supporters.” However, several critical elements of the image quickly gave it away as being AI-generated. For one, three of the women appear to be the exact same person. Another has six fingers. Even Trump’s face appears distorted in the image.
QUIZ: How many problems can you spot in this AI image of Trump with fake Black people? pic.twitter.com/UxnSMPXhJY
— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) August 4, 2024
The rapid development of tools like deep fakes and generative AI calls for increased awareness, improved detection technologies, and critical thinking to prevent the widespread consequences of digital deception.
As AI-generated images become more convincing, it’s essential to know how to differentiate them from real ones. Here are a few tips to help you spot fake AI photos.
Check for inconsistencies in body details
Much like the six fingers seen in the aforementioned, AI-generated images often struggle with small, detailed elements. Look closely at hands, feet, facial features, and hair. You might find strange anomalies, like extra fingers, awkward hand positioning, or unnatural blending of objects.
Lighting and reflections
Lighting in AI photos is usually inconsistent. Shadows might not align with the light source, or reflections in glasses or water could appear off. This is particularly noticeable in complex scenes where AI struggles to render realistic reflections.
Examine the eyes
AI-generated faces often have odd or unnatural eyes. Sometimes the pupils may not be aligned, or the gaze can seem uncentered. Other times, the eyes may lack the natural light reflections that are present in real photographs.
Use AI detection tools
AI-driven tools specifically designed to detect fake images exist. These tools analyze images for signs of manipulation or digital generation and can give a clearer indication of authenticity. Hugging Face and AI or Not are great tools to determine whether or not images are fake if you’re unsure.
By paying attention to these details, you can become more adept at spotting fake AI photos. As technology advances, learning to spot fakes will become an increasingly valuable skill.
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