What you are looking at.
WHAT IS NOW EASY TO PRODUCE
Convincing text in any style Photographs of people who do not exist Video of real people saying things they did not say Audio of a specific person's voice Fake reviews, profiles and documents
WHAT THIS MEANS
Seeing is no longer believing. Neither is hearing.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN TEXT
No specifics Uniform structure Balanced to the point of saying nothing No first-hand experience
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN IMAGES
Hands, teeth and text within the image, which are frequently wrong Backgrounds that do not make sense Inconsistent lighting
Though these are improving and will not remain reliable indicators.
WHAT ACTUALLY WORKS
Provenance. Where did this come from? Who posted it? Does any reputable source report it?
Corroboration from independent sources.
DETECTION TOOLS
Unreliable in both directions. Do not rely on them.
THE PRACTICAL HABIT
For anything surprising or emotionally charged, check whether a reputable source reports it before believing or sharing.
