Can You Spot AI Video Slop? Take Our Fun Quiz and Test Your Skills!

You’re chilling after a big meal when your uncle brings up a video: “Did you see that cat grabbing a snake from someone’s bed?” You can’t help but wonder—was it real or fake?

The truth is, our online feeds are overflowing with videos, and it’s hard to tell what’s genuine. Mike Caulfield, co-author of Verified: How to Think Straight, Get Duped Less, and Make Better Decisions about What to Believe Online, highlights the sheer volume of misleading content. He says, “It’s exhausting to sift through it all.”

But don’t worry just yet. Experts believe you can still assess what’s real and what isn’t. Here are some tips to help you navigate the chaos:

First, don’t assume everything is fake. Yes, many videos may be misleading, but thinking all are fake can be just as harmful. Kolina Koltai, an investigator at Bellingcat, warns against the “liar’s dividend”—when people stop believing genuine footage, it can shield wrongdoers from accountability.

This is especially concerning for crucial videos of events, like police actions. When people dismiss real events as fake, it erodes trust in documentation that holds individuals accountable for their actions.

When you see videos that evoke a strong emotional response, remember that genuine situations are often complex. Fake videos often exploit these emotional triggers to grab your attention.

Pay attention to details. Hany Farid, a digital forensics expert at UC Berkeley, points out that AI-generated videos are becoming increasingly convincing. Look out for certain telltale signs—most AI videos are short, often just 8 to 10 seconds. This brevity stems from the technical challenges of creating longer videos.

Additionally, AI content often features perfectly framed shots, leading to an unusually polished appearance. If it looks too good to be true or feels oddly staged, give it a second thought.

Context matters, too. Where a video is posted and who shares it can provide vital clues. A user with a consistent history of documenting local events offers more credibility than, say, a random account with one-off shares. Doing a reverse image search can help track down the original post or associated news articles.

Lastly, if you’re unsure about a video, hold off on sharing it. With social media rewarding quick shares, it’s easy to contribute to misinformation.

Many creators of AI content aim for engagement and may profit from how many likes or shares they receive. It’s important to pause before you click “share.” In fact, experts advise that waiting a little while can lead to more accurate information.

Sharing or liking misleading videos can diminish the value of important evidence. As Koltai astutely points out, the ability to discern what’s real online is vital. If we can’t tell what’s fake, what could that mean for our understanding of key issues? So, take a moment before joining the frenzy of likes and shares.

With social media trends rapidly changing, it’s more crucial than ever to sharpen your ability to discern fact from fiction. Together, we can cultivate a more informed online community.

For further insights, check out the latest findings on digital misinformation by the Pew Research Center, which regularly studies online trends and public understanding.

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