I keep receiving videos from friends and family with the question “Is this real or a fake AI video?” Therefore, I decided to answer the same by writing an article about it.
You may have received a video that appears to show a well-known public figure saying something controversial. The video was very realistic, convincing, and matched the voice of the celebrity in question.
Your facial expressions were natural and everything looked perfect for you. The same video is also shared and circulated on many other social media and networking platforms/channels. Almost everyone responds emotionally because they believe it is real. But in reality, the video was not real, but a fake video generated by AI.
I was deceived! But you’re not alone. Tom, Dick, and Harry all had the same experience. I was like that too until I learned some tips (I personally don’t deny it). In more than 30 years of exploring, experimenting, and trying to find the best different ways to impact society with technology, I have never come across a tool that comes as close as generative artificial intelligence (AI). While AI brings incredible benefits to productivity (both personal and professional), it also has some very serious dark sides, such as “deep fake” videos that continue to negatively impact society with misinformation (be sure to read my previous article on misinformation and disinformation).
AI can generate videos that look incredibly real. With the right tools, you can create videos of people saying words they didn’t actually say. While this technology has legitimate uses in the entertainment, education, and creative industries, it also opens the door to misinformation, fraud, and reputational damage. According to industry reports, the number of deepfake videos online is increasing dramatically. More than 90% of deepfake videos include manipulated faces and voices. I’m sure you’re witnessing the same thing from the videos and messages you receive every day.
How do you tell if a video is real or fake? AI is a master of patterns, and while it continues to improve, it’s important to note that for now, it struggles with the nuances of human biology and physics. All you have to do is develop a “critical eye”, some “common sense”, and “verification and research” skills while watching the videos you receive. Let me elaborate on what I mean.
First, carefully observe the speaker’s facial details and expressions in the video. Notice how the eyes blink. They are not natural (because we blink every few seconds). If you look closely, you can see that it looks unnatural. Additionally, you will sometimes notice that your eyes do not follow your head movements.
Next, pay attention to the way the other person speaks (the way their mouth moves). The audio sounds correct, but the mouth may not move correctly depending on the sentence. If you look closely, the lips and the words spoken may not match perfectly.
Thirdly, the most important method I follow (even if the video looks very perfect) is to verify and verify whether what I am watching makes sense and comes from a reliable source, i.e. whether the official media (newspapers, TV/radio, etc.) are reporting the same thing. Regardless of the source, if the video was only shared via WhatsApp (or any social media network), it could be a fake video generated by AI.
In conclusion, as AI continues to evolve rapidly, our consciousness must evolve with it. We can no longer believe everything we see online. By taking a little time to question, test, and apply common sense, you can prevent the spread of misinformation. AI itself is not the problem. This is a powerful technology that has many benefits when used responsibly. The real challenge lies in how to respond to it. The next time you receive a shocking video, pause before reacting or forwarding. In the age of AI, digital awareness is no longer optional, but rather a responsibility. Please be safe and wise. And stay in control.
