See this picture? Tugs at the heart strings, doesn’t it? In light of the pain and suffering so many people have been forced to endure from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, images such as this could have thousands, perhaps even millions, donating to causes without for a second questioning the reality of the picture and the ask for donations.
Oh, it’s good alright. Some might even say damn near perfect.
The picture isn’t real. Not one shred.
It’s been making the social media rounds in the days following Helene’s assault on North Carolina, Tennessee and other parts of the American Southeast. It has been used by numerous shady individuals to ask for money in the form of “GoFundMe” pages, links to phony “non-profits” where the money, your money, goes right into the bank account often of an overseas scam, and even simply by those who want you to shed a few tears and set
you up for another scam coming down the river.
I’ve been speaking about such issues for years, warning people on how not to get caught by the scammers, who quite often are smarter and more sophisticated than most people, especially in times of heavy emotion. In today's world of social media, we're bombarded with images every time we scroll through our feeds—pictures of perfect sunsets, stunning vacation spots, and shockingly photogenic meals. But with the rise of AI-generated images, what we see on social media is no longer a guaranteed reflection of reality. AI tools can now create hyper-realistic images that look convincing enough to fool even the most skeptical viewer.
And in this case, even when I pointed out to someone on Facebook that the picture was phony, this is the response I received.
Yes, you may roll your eyes and accept yet again how gullible and in desperate need of not being called out for being wrong some people truly are.
Here, let's ensure you are not one of those.
Check for Subtle Inconsistencies
AI-generated images, while often impressive, still have telltale signs that can give them away. One of the first things to do when you suspect an image might not be real is to look closely at the small details. AI often struggles with getting certain elements right, like hands, eyes, or reflections. Have you ever seen an image where someone’s fingers look more like abstract art than actual human hands? That’s AI’s handiwork.
Pay attention to things like weird proportions, unnatural textures, or distorted facial features. If someone has seven fingers or their eyes look a little too symmetrical, you might be dealing with an AI creation.
Reverse Image Search: The Magic Detective Tool
When in doubt, reverse image search is your best friend. This tool can be a lifesaver when trying to determine the authenticity of an image. Platforms like Google and TinEye allow you to upload an image or provide a URL and see where else the image appears on the web. If an image has been posted all over the internet in various contexts or you find that it's attached to AI-generated content, that’s your cue to be skeptical.
In some cases, you might find that the picture has no history on the internet at all. This could also be a sign it was freshly created by AI and not a photo captured in the real world.
Look for Watermarks or AI Labels
Some platforms that host AI-generated content, like DALL-E and MidJourney, often include watermarks or labels to indicate that an image was created by AI. It’s a good idea to check for these subtle markers before taking an image at face value. While these identifiers might be small or easy to miss, they’re one of the easiest ways to tell if an image is synthetic.
Of course, AI creators are getting savvy about removing these watermarks, but it’s still worth checking before hitting the share button or buying into the narrative.
Question Unrealistic Scenarios
Social media is filled with exaggerated or fantastical images designed to grab your attention. If an image seems a little too perfect or like something straight out of a science fiction movie, trust your instincts—it probably isn’t real. That picture of a glowing purple mountain with a rainbow waterfall? Yeah, not happening. Use your common sense. AI-generated images often prey on our desire for the extraordinary, but remember: if it seems too incredible to be true, it probably is. In the case of this picture, it’s simply far too staged to be real.
Follow Trusted Sources and Fact-Check
One of the best defenses against AI-generated falsehoods is to curate your social media feed carefully. Follow reputable accounts and news organizations that verify their content before posting. When you come across a suspicious image, do a little digging. Check reliable sources to see if the event or place pictured actually exists.
Don’t Fall for Clickbait or Viral Frenzy
AI-generated images often spread like wildfire because of their shocking or impressive appearance. But remember, the faster something goes viral, the less time there’s been for fact-checking. Before sharing an image or believing in the story it presents, wait a beat. Let fact-checkers do their thing. Clickbait is designed to play on emotions, and AI-generated images are the perfect tool for this.
Stay Skeptical and Think Twice
The rise of AI-generated images on social media means that we need to be more vigilant than ever. It’s easier than ever to fall for an image that’s been expertly designed to deceive. By staying skeptical, paying attention to the details, and using tools like reverse image search, we can protect ourselves from being duped by these false realities. As cool as some of these images might seem, remember: the digital world is a place where fantasy often masquerades as fact.
Don’t let yourself be fooled.
Don’t be a sucker.
Ed Berliner is the media expert taking his knowledge and critical eye to events, conferences, meetings and symposiums around the world both in person and via digital link from his production studios. He's also the guy those in the broadcast media and social media scammers would prefer you not listen to, as he exposes their various cons. Contact Ed and discuss having him as part of your next event, or as guest on talk shows and news documentaries.
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