Americans’ ability to distinguish real images from fake ones is no better than a coin flip, a recent survey found. In a test, CBS LA Consumer Investigator Kristine Lazar scored just 25% on an AI detection quiz, correctly identifying only three out of 12 images and videos.
Lazar took the quiz, which was created by Veriff, an online identity verification tool, featuring side-by-side images and videos to test her ability to identify authentic and fake content. Despite her initial confidence, she quickly discovered many of her assumptions were wrong. Veriff’s product director, Raul Liive, said the results are consistent with what the company found when testing the public.
Identifying Deepfakes
Liive explained that the telltale signs people once relied on, such as distorted fingers or unnatural eyes, have largely disappeared as AI technology has improved. Instead, he recommends closely examining facial features for subtle inconsistencies, unusual texture changes, and unnatural patterns. Videos can be even more difficult to identify due to continuous motion, but viewers may notice limited blinking, inconsistent movement speeds, or clothing patterns that blend unnaturally into the background.
After receiving guidance from Liive, Lazar retook the quiz and improved her score from three correct answers to eight out of 12. She noticed subtle clues, including mismatched earrings on one subject, which helped her identify the fake images. Liive said even experts who work with AI every day are not able to identify every fake image correctly without additional tools.
The experience underscored how difficult it has become to rely on visual cues alone. As Liive noted, the quality of AI-generated images has improved significantly over the last few years, making it harder to distinguish between real and fake content.
Broader Implications
The study’s findings have significant implications for individuals and organizations that rely on visual information. Experts recommend using AI-powered detection tools or specialized verification apps to help determine whether an image or video is authentic rather than relying solely on what appears on screen. The difficulty in spotting fake images highlights the need for increased awareness and education on this issue.
The inability to distinguish between real and fake images can have serious consequences, from spreading misinformation to compromising national security. As AI technology continues to evolve, it is essential to develop effective methods for detecting and preventing the use of fake images.
