How to Differentiate a Real Person from an AI-generated Image

As AI technology rapidly evolves, so does the challenge of distinguishing what’s real from what’s digitally created. One area that has seen explosive growth is the creation of ultra-realistic human images using AI tools like Midjourney, DALL·E, and StyleGAN. If you’ve ever looked at a photo and wondered if the person is real or just pixels arranged by a machine, you’re not alone. This guide will walk you through how to differentiate a real person from an AI-generated image, using practical tips and subtle clues that anyone can learn to spot.

1. Look Closely at the Eyes

One of the biggest giveaways of an AI-generated face is the eyes. Real eyes have consistent reflections (also known as “catchlights“) that match the direction of light in a scene. AI-generated images often struggle with this. You may see:

a. Asymmetrical reflections in the eyes

b. Reflections that don’t match the light source

c. Unnatural eye shapes or sizes

Sometimes, one eye go dey look normal while the other just dey somehow. That one fit be AI wahala.

Also, the gaze direction in AI images may feel “off” — as if the person is looking at nothing or through the camera rather than into it.

2. Watch Out for Irregular Ears and Earrings

Ears can be a major red flag in AI-generated portraits. Often, they’re blurry, asymmetrical, or look like they’re melting into the head. Earrings and other accessories also trip up many AI models. You might notice:

a. Earrings that are mismatched

b. Earrings that don’t cast shadows

c. Earrings that look embedded in the skin

Real photos rarely show such inconsistencies.

3. Assess the Background Carefully

AI images often struggle with complex backgrounds. A real image will have a background that aligns well with the subject, in terms of lighting, depth, and perspective. In contrast, AI backgrounds may appear:

a. Blurry or strangely detailed in some spots

b. Mismatched in terms of focus

c. Warped, like furniture or objects bending oddly

You fit see one chair for background wey get five legs, or wall wey curve like rubber — clear AI mistake.

4. Count the Fingers and Check Hands

Hands are notoriously difficult for AI to render. If the image includes hands, inspect them closely. You may see:

a. Too many or too few fingers

b. Fingers that are fused together

c. Awkward hand poses

d. Rings that don’t fit properly or float

These anomalies are rarely present in authentic human photographs.

5. Examine Skin Texture and Hair

Real human skin has pores, subtle imperfections, and varied tones. AI-generated skin can look too smooth, plasticky, or overly airbrushed. Similarly, hair in AI images might:

a. Blend into the background

b. Appear unnaturally thick or thin

c. Have inconsistent lighting or strands that “float”

Check for hairlines too — they might look too sharp or painted on.

6. Zoom In on Clothing Details

AI-generated images often include clothing with odd features. Look out for:

a. Logos or text that are garbled

b. Fabric patterns that don’t align

c. Buttons, zippers, or seams that vanish mid-line

d. Clothing blending unnaturally into the body

These flaws often pass unnoticed at a glance but stand out on closer inspection.

7. Use Reverse Image Search

If you’re still unsure whether an image is real, try doing a reverse image search using tools like Google Images or TinEye. If the image doesn’t appear anywhere else online, and especially if it’s tied to suspicious profiles or promotional content, that’s a red flag. AI-generated images often originate from closed datasets and may not exist elsewhere on the web.

8. Leverage AI-Detection Tools

Ironically, AI can help detect AI. Several online platforms and tools now specialize in identifying whether an image is synthetic. Examples include:

a. Hive Moderation

b. Sensity AI

c. AI or Not

d. GANDetector

These tools analyze patterns invisible to the human eye, such as pixel noise, lighting inconsistencies, and facial alignment.

9. Inspect the Image Metadata

Metadata (EXIF data) contains information about how a photo was taken — camera model, settings, GPS data, etc. AI-generated images typically lack this metadata or show generic values. You can inspect metadata using tools like:

a. ExifTool

b. Image Metadata Viewer

If there’s no metadata or it seems stripped or generic, you might be dealing with an AI-generated image.

10. Trust Your Gut — But Verify

Sometimes, your brain picks up on “something off” even when you can’t explain it. Don’t ignore that instinct. AI images often trigger what’s known as the uncanny valley effect, where something looks almost human but not quite. It makes people feel uneasy.

If e be say the image dey somehow dey give you chills or feel “too perfect“, maybe na machine run am.

FAQs on How to Differentiate a Real Person from an AI-generated Image

1. Can AI-generated images look exactly like real humans?

A: Yes, especially with current tools like StyleGAN3 and Midjourney v6, AI can generate images that are shockingly realistic. That’s why knowing the subtle signs is important.

2. Why is it important to detect AI-generated images?

A: Because they can be used for misinformation, scams, or impersonation. Being able to tell the difference protects your digital integrity.

3. Are AI images always fake or malicious?

A: Not at all. Many are used ethically in art, marketing, and education. The key is transparency.

4. Can I use AI detection tools for free?

A: Some tools like “AI or Not” offer limited free scans. Others may require subscriptions.

5. Is there a 100% foolproof method to detect AI images?

A: No method is perfect. Combining multiple strategies offers the best chance of correctly identifying an AI-generated image.

Conclusion

The ability to create lifelike human images using AI is both fascinating and a little scary. As the technology improves, so does its potential for misuse. But with the tips shared in this post on how to differentiate a real person from an AI-generated image, you’re now better equipped to question what you see and spot the subtle clues that separate man from machine. Stay curious, stay sharp, and no let computer dey deceive you anyhow.