How do I spot AI-generated misinformation or fake images online?

You can spot most AI-generated misinformation by checking for three things: unnatural details in images (hands, text, reflections), emotional language that feels designed to make you angry or scared, and a lack of verifiable sources or original reporting. Let me give you a concrete example. A viral image last year showed the Pope wearing a giant white puffer jacket. It looked real at first glance, but his hands were slightly blurry, the crucifix chain disappeared into the fabric, and no legitimate news outlet had published the photo. Those three red flags together were the giveaway. For text, AI misinformation often follows a pattern: it's confident, smooth, and vague about specifics. It'll say "experts warn" without naming the experts. It'll cite a study without linking to it. Real reporting names names. Here's the thing most guides won't tell you: your emotional reaction is actually a detection tool. AI-generated fake news is optimized to trigger outrage or fear because that's what gets shares. If you feel a strong emotional spike while reading something, that's your cue to slow down and verify before sharing. Tools like Google Reverse Image Search, TinEye, and fact-checking sites like Snopes or Reuters Fact Check can confirm or debunk most viral claims in under a minute. **Related**: How can I tell if a video is AI-generated? | What are deepfakes and how do they work?