The art of the Unreal:
A Guide to Identifying AI-Generated and Manipulated Images

Introduction

What

Visual aspects of an image can often reveal whether it's AI-generated or manipulated because, despite its impressive capabilities, AI still faces technical limitations in understanding and replicating the complexity of the real world. AI models, such as those used to generate images, rely on vast datasets of existing images to learn and create new ones. However, these models don't "understand" the context in the way humans do—they simply recognize and replicate patterns.

When generating an image, the AI might combine features in ways that don't make sense logically, like giving a person three legs, even though the training data doesn’t include such anomalies. This happens because the AI is not truly aware of what a human body should look like; it’s merely assembling pieces of data that statistically seem to fit together. This lack of contextual understanding leads to errors in anatomy, lighting, depth, and other visual details, which can expose the image’s artificial nature. By recognizing these technical flaws, you can better identify when an image is not a true representation of reality.

The following points are things you can look out for.

In this image we can see that the subjects iris is jagged and glitched, common among realistic AI images

The subjects right hand fingers are fused together, finger joints are added where they should not be and the thumbs are not proportional

Children and merry-go-round merging in in background

Quality

Forced Analogue Quality: Be cautious of images with an "old photo" effect, like graininess or sepia tones. These effects may be used to cover up flaws in AI-generated images or to lend a false sense of authenticity.

3D Render Feel: Consider whether the image has an artificial, 3D-rendered quality. AI images may have overly smooth textures and unnatural lighting that can make them look more like renders than photographs.

The necklace design does not make sense

Unintelligible watermark/text in corner

Famous people in compromising situations

Credibility: Evaluate if the situation aligns with the individual’s public persona. AI-generated images can easily place famous people in out-of-character, compromising situations.

Source Verification: Cross-check with reliable news sources. If an image depicting a famous person in a compromising scenario isn't reported by reputable outlets, it may be AI-generated.

Historical Moments

Verification: Cross-check the image with historical records. If the event isn't documented or is known to be false, the image could be AI-generated.

Time Period Accuracy: Ensure the image matches the claimed historical period in terms of technology, fashion, or architecture. AI might incorrectly blend elements from different eras.

The motive behind an image's creation can be a powerful indicator of its authenticity or deception. Here, we explore how understanding the potential motivations for producing or sharing an image can help you identify whether it’s real or manipulated. AI-generated images are often crafted with specific agendas in mind, such as spreading misinformation, swaying public opinion, or generating profit.

By considering who stands to benefit from the image being perceived as real—whether it’s a political group, a marketer, or a scammer—you can gauge the likelihood of manipulation. Images designed to provoke strong emotional responses, especially when used in political attacks, social media virality, or scams, are more likely to be fabricated. Understanding the underlying motivations can help you see beyond the image itself and question its true purpose, making it easier to spot potential deceptions.

Here the potential motive is not political, the most likely motive (if the person showing this wants people to believe this is true) would be to manipulate religious people in order to become viral.

Here is a very common bait format on Facebook. The goal is to gain as much attention as possible in order to grow the account.

In today's digital age, the line between reality and fabrication has become increasingly blurred. AI-generated images have reached a level of sophistication where distinguishing them from real photographs can be challenging. Moreover, people have become adept at using these tools to create images that can deceive even the most discerning eyes. Because of this, I wanted to create a easy to access resource that is as digestible as possible in an effort to combat misinformation and scams. Here at Keep Reality Real, the mission is to help you from falling into these AI traps by sharing my insights on how to identify manipulated or fabricated images.

The following is a concise manual that I use to assess the likelihood of an image being:

a) AI-generated
b) Real but altered with AI
c) Real but edited manually
d) Real

When I refer to "Real," I mean a photo taken by an actual camera with actual humans in real places. When I mention "Edited", we're talking about significant alterations, not simple adjustments like contrast changes but rather changes like moving subjects or altering appearances. "Altered by AI" typically refers to deepfakes, where a real person is filmed or photographed, and AI is used to modify their face or appearance, either in real-time or post-production. All of these examples are AI generated by me, except specified examples.

Subjects' Bodily Anatomy

Proportions and Symmetry: Inspect body parts for proportionality and symmetry. AI-generated images may present issues such as extra fingers, unnatural limb lengths, or slightly off-center facial features.

Facial Expressions: Assess the facial expressions. AI models might produce faces with unnatural or mismatched emotions, like a blank or lifeless stare.

Eye Direction: Ensure both eyes are aligned and looking in the same direction. Misaligned eyes or inconsistent iris sizes can be indicators of AI generation.

Unnatural thumbs on both hands

Subject seems to have two left legs, at least the subject has very uneven legs

Lighting is making separation between background and subject too sharp

Details

Fine Details: Zoom in to examine hair strands, textures, and reflections. AI-generated images may blur these details or render them unnaturally, such as hair blending into the background.

Background Artifacts: Investigate the background for odd artifacts, such as warped text or blurry regions. AI can struggle with intricate backgrounds and often produces errors in these areas.

Repetition: Be on the lookout for repetitive patterns or textures that seem unnatural, a common issue in AI-generated images.

The light reflecting on subject does not match the colour of the light sources

Tree trunk stops abruptly

Subjects skin is too smooth, making it look 3D rendered

Weird, abstract headband

Towels do not look like that

Watermark and Signature

AI Watermarks: Look for hidden watermarks or signatures from AI tools, which may be subtly integrated into the image.

Forgery Signs: Be wary of signatures or logos that appear digitally added or mismatched with the image's style, indicating possible manipulation.

Contextual Aspects

Contextual aspects of an image can provide strong clues about its authenticity, as AI-generated images often falter when placed within a broader narrative or historical framework. Unlike humans, AI lacks an understanding of real-world events, cultural significance, and the credibility of sources. As a result, it may produce images that depict famous people in unlikely scenarios, fabricate historical moments, or create sexually suggestive content that doesn’t align with reality.

These images might seem convincing at first glance, but inconsistencies arise when you examine their context. For example, an AI-generated image might place a celebrity in a situation that contradicts their public persona or historical records. Additionally, AI-generated images might appear exclusively in questionable forums or lack a presence elsewhere on the internet, raising red flags about their legitimacy. By analyzing the context in which an image appears—such as its alignment with known facts, its source, and its broader implications—you can better discern whether it’s a genuine photo or a fabricated creation.

Along with visual clues to this being AI generated, the unlikelihood of Taylor Swift embracing Donald Trump like this only adds to the suspicion that this is AI

The event this photo is supposedly from, never occurred

Sexually Charged

Alluring Content: Be extra cautious with sexually suggestive images, as these are often more readily accepted as real. Such images might be AI-generated to deceive or exploit.

Contextual Plausibility: Analyze whether the depicted scenario is plausible. AI-generated images might present overly idealized or fantastical situations.

These examples are considered 'safe' and focus on clothed images. When discussing sexually explicit content, I primarily refer to uncensored or nude images. I want to emphasize that a woman wearing a bikini or lingerie should not automatically be deemed sexually explicit or provocative. These are normal expressions of the human body, and they should be viewed as such, without undue sexualization.

Iphones were not available in the 1800s, obviously

No saucer UFO have ever been confirmed to be true

Where was the image posted?

Source Credibility: Consider where the image was posted. If it's on a forum dedicated to AI or deepfakes, there's a higher likelihood that the image is AI-generated.

Community Feedback: Review comments or discussions, as users might point out inconsistencies or reveal the image as AI-generated.

Motive and Manipulation

Going back to this image, a possible agenda would be to endear politician Donald Trump to fans of Taylor Swift, who has a famously devoted fanbase.

Does Anyone Benefit from People Believing This is Real?

Propaganda: Consider if the image could be used for political propaganda, discrediting individuals, or spreading false narratives. AI-generated images are often used in misinformation campaigns.

Emotional Manipulation: Determine if the image is designed to evoke a strong emotional response, such as anger or sympathy. These types of images might be fabricated to manipulate public opinion.

Bias and Agenda: Consider if the image supports a particular bias or agenda. AI-generated images might be tailored to advance specific ideologies.

How is this Picture Used?

Monetary Gain: Be cautious if the image is part of a scam, such as a plea for money. AI-generated images can be used to create fake identities or situations to exploit victims.

Political Attacks: If the image is used in a political context, especially to attack or discredit someone, it could be an AI-generated fabrication meant to sway public opinion.

Social Media Virality: Consider whether the image is designed to go viral. AI-generated images are often crafted to spread quickly on social media, sometimes with the intent to deceive.

The following are examples from a specific Instagram account of a lifestyle and fitness coach, who allegedly uses AI generated before/after pictures from his "clients". This was uncovered by Reddit user u/matt17jaga and published on r/StableDiffusion. LINK

This is obviously an attempt to lure actual human customers to buy his courses

Because the account owner isn't a widely recognized figure or public personality, they can avoid the intense scrutiny that often accompanies more prominent individuals. This lack of attention enables them to carry out their deceptive practices, such as using AI-generated 'before and after' images to lure real customers, without drawing significant suspicion or being easily exposed. As a result, they can continue this scam unnoticed for a longer period, flying under the radar of those who might otherwise challenge their credibility.

In conclusion, the ability to discern between real and AI-generated images has never been more important. As AI technology advances, the lines between reality and fabrication blur, making it essential to remain vigilant and critical of the images we encounter. By considering visual inconsistencies, contextual clues, and underlying motivations, we can better protect ourselves from deception and make more informed judgments. Remember, whether you're evaluating an image for its authenticity or questioning the intent behind it, the tools and insights provided in this guide will help you navigate this complex digital landscape and keep reality real.

Reviewing the Visual Aspects

Context

Motive

Visual Aspects

Compositional Inconsistency

Lighting: Check for consistent lighting and shadows. AI-generated images may have mismatched light sources, leading to unnatural shadows.

Depth Perception: Look for correct depth relationships, with objects in the foreground and background appropriately rendered. AI images can sometimes appear flat or have awkward depth.

Perspective Errors: Verify that all elements follow the same perspective. AI might create images where objects defy normal perspective rules, such as inconsistent vanishing points.

Not found anywhere else on the internet

Reverse Image Search: Use tools like Google Reverse Image Search to see if the image exists elsewhere online. If it's not found or only appears in AI-related contexts, it could be AI-generated.

Unique Content: Be skeptical of images presented as "exclusive" or "never seen before." The absence of other sources is a potential red flag.

The art of the Unreal: A Guide to Identifying AI-Generated and Manipulated Images