Let's start with a little guessing game: Can you tell which of the following two images is real and which was generated by an AI?
Have you made your decision? Perhaps you'd better take a closer look! ... All right, the bear in the first picture was generated by an AI, more precisely by DALL-E and the Adobe Photoshop AI. The deer in the second picture is actually real. Did you guess it? Pretty hard, isn't it?
It is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish AI content, i.e. artificially generated content, from real content. Two years ago, we probably wouldn't have thought it possible, but today texts, images and videos can be quickly and easily created using artificial intelligence by anyone with internet access and appear convincingly authentic and realistic. The technology has many fans and users, but there are also critical voices that urge caution when dealing with AI.
Why do so many people and companies use AI?
The advantages of artificial intelligence are obvious. Technology speeds up and simplifies work. No matter whether it is about generating texts during studies, creating images in marketing or developing ideas and business models for companies. When people and AI work together, they are a real dream team and, according to the latest studies, can achieve massive efficiency gains. (Johan Füller, 2023)
But the advantages of the technology go far beyond simply accelerating and simplifying work processes. AI can be used universally, in every area and in every industry. If we don't just use them blindly, but rather see them as a team member who incorporates new ideas and solutions, more creativity and efficiency into our work, completely new and unique innovations and products can emerge that we would never have thought of ourselves. Finding solutions to problems or simply answers to certain questions is also possible quickly and easily with AI - and with many creative, innovative approaches. For this reason, AI is now an integral part of many everyday work processes.
Why AI also has disadvantages
As useful and innovative as AI can be, its use can be dangerous. Especially when AI content is not recognized as such. And, as you can see from the picture above, that's not always easy. The above case is a harmless example that causes no harm. However, if artificially generated content is misused and passed off as real and authentic, this can have serious consequences.
One of these negative consequences was evident last year at the prestigious Sony World Photography Awards. The winner of the competition did not accept his prize and withdrew the submitted picture. The reason for this was that he had submitted an image for the competition that was at least partially created by an artificial intelligence. He wanted to prove that the jurors were not yet prepared for the misuse of the technology. In fact, they thought the photographer's picture was real. More about this in the Standard article . However, fraud of this type can occur not only in photo competitions, but anywhere content is created.
But cheating to win prizes or money isn't everything. AI content can also be used to falsify facts and facts, put words in people's mouths and, in the worst case, even trigger political crises. So-called deep fakes are already in circulation today. These are fake recordings of certain people who often make controversial statements. Fraudsters use image and text generating AIs to create the fake material. The deceptively real-looking videos are difficult to distinguish from real original recordings.
It is therefore important to be able to distinguish AI-generated content from real content.
How do I recognise AI-generated content?
As far as artificial intelligence is today, it is no longer easy. However, our eyes and brain are used to natural images and movements. Content generated by AI often seems a bit strange at first glance. If you notice this feeling, it is usually worth taking a closer look at the content.
1. Pay attention to details
Does something not seem natural? If it's lyrics, does it sound too sensational or too outlandish? If it's images or videos, you should look for details. Does the light appear unnatural? Where does the light source come from? What about your hands and joints? Are there so-called glitches? Are the movements unnatural, for example “too consistent” or choppy? How does the sound sound? Rather monotonous, without highs and lows in the normal vocal range? It's important to pay attention to little things and recognize certain patterns in order to be aware of them for future content.
2. Reverse search
If you're still not sure, it can help to do a so-called reverse search on Google. This works particularly well with images. To do this, simply upload the photo you are looking for to Google Search. Either the image doesn't appear at all, in which case it is most likely fake, or the image does appear and you find various sources that have also shared the image. You will usually find further information about the origin and background of the photo.
3. Use tools
Although caution is advised here because they are often unable to correctly determine which content comes from humans and which from AIs, so-called AI detectors can provide support in detecting AI-generated content. For example, GPTRadar should be able to recognize texts from ChatGPT and Co.
For example, for images you can use Illuminarty . The tool is free and after you upload the image you want to check, you will get the percentage probability that the image was created using artificial intelligence.
For videos, major companies like Intel and Microsoft have developed their own software to detect deep fakes. However, most of these tools are paid.
However, as already mentioned, it should be noted that even specialized tools do not always recognize AI content as such. Even tools that come from large AI providers such as OpenAI and Microsoft themselves often turn out to be flawed. OpenAI even goes so far as to say that AI detectors fundamentally don't work. However, you can certainly consult them as a “second opinion”. However, it remains to be seen whether AI detectors will improve in the future in the same way as artificial intelligence itself.
4. Be critical
So the most important point is: be critical! You should always keep in mind how advanced AI has already become. By 2026, the proportion of AI-generated content on the Internet is expected to increase to 90% ( Futurism , 2023). According to the Guardian, a large number of large news websites have already been created by AIs. So you shouldn't believe everything you read or see. If something sounds particularly unbelievable or surprising, it's better to do your own research through credible sources and make sure trustworthy media outlets are reporting on it before spreading the news.
Why it is important to label AI-generated content as such
The authenticity of content is therefore difficult to verify. Today, media can no longer be consumed as carelessly as before, because the risk of being deceived increases with the number of AI content. Nevertheless, the advantages and potential of AI, such as making work easier, creativity and efficiency, are enormous and should be used. However, in order to offer consumers the greatest possible transparency in everyday life and at work, it is important to appropriately mark and label texts, images and videos that were created in whole or in part with AI. This is the only way to effectively avoid errors and fake news.
INNO-VERSE labels all AI-generated content for more transparency
At INNO-VERSE, AI is now an integral part of the work process. With our in-house AI , we want to support our users in becoming more innovative and efficient than ever before. In this way, we want to help our customers become pioneers in their field and industry.
Nevertheless, facts and transparency as well as carefree media consumption by our users are extremely important to us. That's why we mark all content that was created by us or our users using AI with an AI label. In doing so, we want to create the greatest possible transparency and ensure open communication. At the same time, we enable INNO-VERSE users to use our innovation tools without worries.
Conclusion
Artificial intelligence continues to advance. Both companies and private individuals benefit from the technology and are using it more and more frequently. As a result, we will come across AI content more and more often. At the same time, however, these will also become increasingly realistic and difficult to distinguish from real content. In everyday life, it is therefore important to be vigilant and question implausible content. It's best to take a closer look and do some research if necessary.
Credible and trustworthy platforms and sources will increasingly label AI-generated content to provide their users with the greatest possible transparency and a better user experience.
So don't be afraid of artificial intelligence! Technology has great advantages that can help you move forward and make your everyday (work) life much easier. Take advantage of these advantages and benefit from the results. As long as you maintain open and transparent external communication at the same time, everything speaks for your success in working with artificial intelligence.
