How to Identify AI Content?

Developing critical evaluation skills as AI becomes more prominent

Purpose

As AI improves at generating content nearly indistinguishable from human-created work, it's even more important to be able to identify them whenever possible. This section will cover common indicators across text and images.

Common Indicators

Due AI content generation being dependent on large data sets, they tend to produce similar results and create similar results in certiain details.

Text Indicators

AI-generated texts tend to follow similar structures. While they might be difficult to spot at first, once you know the signs, it becomes a lot easier. This is especially useful for spotting AI-generated news articles, social media posts, or phishing scams. These are some common indicators [1]:

  • Repetitive Structures: AI-generated text often follows repetitive and often predictable patterns in organization and phrasing. For example, repetitive sentence structures or transitions.
  • Generic Language: AI-generated text lacks the "soul" of human writing. It tends to write content that's widely applicable across topics while lacking specific details, often plainly, with little inflection. At the same time, it's also common for AI-generated text to suddenly switch tones or styles. Unlike human writing, it struggles to find the middle ground between different writing styles and tones.
  • Unnatural Phrasing and Jargon: While AI has improved significantly, it sometimes uses awkward word choices or phrasings that native speakers wouldn't use. For example, adding vocabulary the audience wouldn't know about to make it seem like it is reliable.
  • AI Hallucinations: AI models can "hallucinate" facts or cite sources that don't exist [2]. If you come across information that doesn't seem true, look it up without using AI and cross reference the results. This is especially important when researching or dealing with sensitive topics.
  • Lack of Critical Thinking: AI-generated text often lacks the nuanced reasoning and critical analysis that human writers bring to their work. It might include inconsistent ideas that are never explained, leaving the reader confused. West Texas A&M University summarizes this well: AI-generated content often gives an impression of someone who wrote very confidently about a topic that they just didn't get [1].

    • However, it's important to remember that these are simply common patterns to look out for. For example, AI detector software can have false positives and flag human work as AI. Use your own judgement as you navigate social media and academia alongside these patterns so you stay safe and do not get misled.

Image and Video Indicators

AI-generated images and videos are now very common in social media, especially in short-form videos like TikToks and Instagram Reels. Like AI text, there are also key signs you can learn to recognize. These are some common indicators [3]:

  • Hand and Finger Distortions: This was one of the first reliable indicators. AI often struggles with anatomically correct hands, producing distorted or extra fingers. Knowing this is a common sign, some models try to hide the hands so they're not visible, though others also improved in this area. Despite this, it's still usually a clear sign something is AI-generated.
  • Inconsistent Lighting and Shadows: Misaligned light sources or impossible shadow patterns often indicate AI generation. It especially tends to favor backlit lighting that frames the subject and emphasize any highlights.
  • Warped Small Details or Background Elements: AI can create illogical backgrounds or patterns that are inconsistent or misshaped. In videos, some elements might disappear or change forms.
  • Uncanny Faces: Facial features may look strange. For example, misaligned eyes, odd proportions, or flat expressions. They might also look overly polished, with no imperfections or natural texture.
  • Inconsistent Context: Since AI is pattern based, it doesn't always understand situational context for the idea it is generating, and it won't try to adjust for it unless told. For example, a video taking place 100 years ago might have depictions of modern technology.

Final Takeaways

  • No single indicator definitively proves AI generation. Look for patterns and trust your judgement.
  • AI technology is improving rapidly. Methods that work now might not work in the future.
  • AI content can be helpful, but it's important to use it ethically and transparently.
  • Critical thinking applies to all content, AI-generated or not. Always verify sources and think independently.
  • Being skeptical is healthy. However, don't let suspicion overtake appreciation for authentic, human-created content.
  • AI is still largely unregulated on a federal and international level, which raises concerns about its use and potential impact. By learning how to identify AI content, you can at least protect yourself and others from being misled by malicious or deceptive content.

Learning Checkpoint

Read each short passage, then select the answer choices that describe common AI text indicators. You can choose multiple clues before checking your answer.

Select all answers that apply:

References

[1] WT Librarians, "How to identify AI-generated content," Cornette Library InfoGuides: Teaching with AI, West Texas A&M University, 5 February 2026. [Online]. Available: https://infoguides.wtamu.edu/c.php?g=1304153&p=9834537. [Accessed Apr. 25, 2026].

[2] IBM, "What are AI hallucinations?" IBM Think, (n.d.) [Online]. Available: https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/ai-hallucinations. [Accessed Apr. 25, 2026].

[3] Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN), "Reporter's guide to detecting AI-generated content," GIJN, (n.d.) [Online]. Available: https://gijn.org/resource/guide-detecting-ai-generated-content/. [Accessed Apr. 25, 2026].

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