Imagine scrolling through social media and stumbling upon a stunning image of a futuristic cityscape or reading a news article that feels… off. You pause. Something about it seems too polished, too perfect. Could it be AI-generated? And if so, should you trust it?
 Created by Midjourney |  The Turning Torso, Malmo, Sweden |
In a world where AI tools like ChatGPT, MidJourney, and deepfake software can generate everything from artwork to convincing articles, it is more important than ever to question what we see and read.
We can use these 5 critical questions to stay sharp, informed, and maybe even a little skeptical—just the way a good thinker (like you and me) should. So let’s stay on our toes and not be fooled by AI-generated content, but see it for what it is, a tool to enhance the thought behind.
1. Who or What Created This?
The first step to understanding any content is knowing its source:
- Did a human create it?
- Was it generated entirely by AI?
- Is it a mix of both?
AI-generated content lacks personal intent. It’s trained to imitate patterns, not create with understanding or purpose. This is not to say that the person or persons behind the keyboard when it comes to AI-generated content has no intent, but to understand this we need first to decide if what we are seeing is real or created.
That’s why spotting the difference between human and AI content is key.
Spot the Clues:
- For Text: AI outputs often sound generic, overly formal, or strangely neutral. They lack the quirks, typos, or emotional nuance of human writing unless it is written by a very boring, formal, and emotionally drained person.
- For Images: Look for telltale errors—distorted hands, perfect symmetry, or unnatural lighting. AI loves perfection, but humans don’t create it.
Example: A viral AI-generated portrait recently had seven fingers. If something feels almost human but “off,” dig deeper.
Quick Tip: Use tools like Originality.ai or reverse image searches (Google Images, TinEye) to verify origins.
Personally, I create a lot of content using AI, but I will always disclose the source. When it comes to writing, for example, my “best friend” has been ChatGPT for quite a while now. I use it to outline many of the things I write, like this post, this gives me a starting point for my writing.
English is my second language and writing doesn’t come as naturally as in my first language, Swedish. I have tried to write in Swedish and ask AI to translate, but that gets even stiffer than using an AI-created outline as a base for my writing and thinking.
2. Does It Look (or Sound) Too Perfect?
Ever read something that sounded flawless but empty? Or seen an image so smooth and symmetrical it seemed unnatural? That’s AI for you.
AI-generated content often lacks “imperfection”—a hallmark of human creativity.
- Text Clues: Does it use overly polished language or lack personality?
- Visual Clues: AI images might show:
- Strange patterns (like melting textures).
- Perfect symmetry (faces and buildings look cloned).
- Inconsistent details (extra fingers, mismatched jewelry).
Example: MidJourney can create visually stunning art, but a closer look often reveals oddities—like horses with two heads or water-defying gravity.
Pro Tip: Perfection isn’t normal. If it looks too “clean,” question it.
3. What’s the Purpose Behind It?
Ask yourself: Why does this content exist?
Humans write, draw, or share with a purpose—to inform, entertain, or express themselves. AI, on the other hand, generates content based on prompts. Its “intent” is driven by data, not personal motivation. But AI-generated content is here to stay and will only be more “perfect” as time passes. So we mustn’t forget the intent of the content creator. If we look beyond the fact that AI creates the content, we must ask ourselves why did someone create this.
Why It Matters:
AI-generated content can sometimes be used for harmful purposes:
- Misinformation: Fake news articles or deepfake videos designed to mislead.
- Manipulation: AI reviews or social media posts designed to sway opinions.
Example: There have been deepfake videos of political figures saying things they never said. AI tools don’t understand ethics—so questioning the purpose helps you stay critical.
Tip: Always cross-check claims against reliable sources before sharing or believing them.
4. Is There Evidence or Context to Back It Up?
AI can generate “facts” or visuals that seem real but aren’t. It doesn’t know what’s true—it just predicts what looks true.
How to Check:
- For text: Look for credible sources, citations, or links. If claims are vague or lack context, dig deeper.
- For images: Reverse search to find the source and confirm its authenticity.
Example: ChatGPT once “invented” fake academic papers when asked for citations. AI doesn’t lie intentionally—it just tries to “fit the pattern.”
Quick Action: Use fact-checking websites like Snopes or tools like PolitiFact to verify claims.
5. What Biases Might Be Hidden Here?
AI models are trained on vast amounts of human data, data created by humans, and—surprise—humans have biases. AI doesn’t form opinions, but it inherits biases from the data it learns from.
What to Look For:
- Text: Is it reinforcing stereotypes or favoring one perspective?
- Images: Are AI-generated visuals defaulting to certain genders, ethnicities, or styles?
Example: Some AI tools generate stereotypical depictions, like only male doctors or only female teachers. These biases reflect the data but should be questioned critically.
Pro Tip: Ask: Who does this content represent? What’s missing? The absence of diversity can be just as telling.
Conclusion: Think Before You Trust
AI tools are impressive, but they aren’t perfect. By asking these 5 critical questions, you’re not just spotting AI—you’re practicing the kind of smart, critical thinking we need in the digital age:
- Who or what created this?
- Does it look too perfect?
- What’s the purpose behind it?
- Is there evidence to back it up?
- What biases might be hidden here?
AI is a tool, powerful yes, but only as reliable as the mind that questions it.
Your Turn
Have you ever come across AI-generated content that made you pause? Did you trust it or question it? Share your story in the comments!
