How to distinguish photos taken with artificial intelligence: important details

Images created with the help of artificial intelligence have flooded social media. Neural networks such as Midjourney, DALL-E, or DeepAI are already working on image creation, and they can create any image at a person's request. But the problem is that the quality of these images is gradually approaching hyper-realistic, indistinguishable from a real photo. And this brings with it the danger of spreading false information and fake news.

Discussions are currently underway on how to regulate the activity of neural networks that create images so that they cannot be used to mislead people. In the meantime, DW has compiled a guide on how to distinguish AI-generated images right now.

Zoom in and see the details

Despite the fact that AI-generated images are already very realistic, a close look at them reveals a lot of artifacts. These can include line misalignments, color mismatches, cloned images, etc. Neural networks also do a poor job of fitting glasses on faces, making mistakes when drawing reflections and shadows, and clothing details.

Look for the source of the image

If you find a photo that looks suspicious, you can check its origin using search services such as Google or TinEye. Upload the image to the search engine - if it is a fake created for the purpose of disinformation, you will surely find fact-checking material that will explain why the sensation is a fake. You can also find the original source explaining why the image was created.

Look at the proportions and details of the bodies depicted

Artificial intelligence is still not good at some parts of the human body, such as hands, teeth, or ears. It also often makes mistakes in proportions, making, for example, faces too long and limbs too short. Neural networks often "reward" their characters with extra fingers or teeth, or forget to draw the right ones. Or they give them eyes or ears of an unnatural shape.

Examine images for unnaturalness

Of course, many photos are now processed with filters to make the image more attractive. However, these effects are many times stronger in AI-generated images. If a picture seems realistic but unnaturally perfect, you should suspect that it is artificial.

Look at the background

Neural networks often save computing power on creating the background of an image because it is less important. This means that it can give away a fake. Background objects may look too blurry. You can also often find cloned objects or figures or distorted objects there.

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL published a selection of artificial intelligence-created paintings of the burning Moscow Kremlin, which the neural network drew in the style of famous artists.

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