This page was created in May 2025. This information is focused on AI generated images and does not touch upon deepfake and AI generated video technology. AI image generation technology is rapidly developing and improving. However, the information and evaluation strategies included should remain applicable to the evaluation of many kinds of visual media.
Who is posting this image? Is this a reliable source?
What is the purpose of the image? Why is it being posted?
Who is the intended audience?
When is it being posted?
Can it be verified or found elsewhere?
Can I find images from the moments before or after?
AI image generation continues to improve. In addition to becoming familiar with common issues in AI generated images, there are different online tools that can help verify the authenticity of an image found online.
These tools are not perfect. They shouldn't be relied upon completely, but they can be added to your "toolkit" of approaches to use when considering the authenticity of an image.
A reverse image search can show where else on the internet an image can be found. This can help you evaluate whether the image is real by giving more information and sources to investigate for authenticity.
Use AI to spot AI? There are a number of websites utilizing AI technology to help identify AI generated media. These can be helpful, but it is good to remain skeptical and not rely solely on this one tool.
Metadata is information about a file that is hidden (embedded) into the file itself. Image files typically contain EXIF data. This can include information on the type of camera or lens, GPS location, time stamps, and copyright details. This information, or the lack of such information, can be helpful in evaluating if a photo was taken by a camera or generated online. However, it should be noted that metadata can be removed from files, so again, this method should be used in addition to other approaches to evaluating image authenticity.
AI images are relatively easy to generate and access. They may be useful for personal, professional, or even academic purposes (but must be properly cited!). However, there are other options for easily finding copyright-free or limited copyright images.
Images in the areas of art, architecture, humanities, and social sciences.
Collection of magazines, newspapers, books, transcripts, plus thousands of images, maps, and audio/video items. (Do not use with Chrome browser.)
Practice your AI image spotting skills with these interactive online quizzes.
