Lesson 3 of 5 · about 5 min
Fake images, videos and news
When you finish, you can check a suspicious picture, clip or story before believing or sharing it.
Stuck? Ask the AI tutorWhat deepfakes are
A deepfake is an image, audio clip or video made or changed by AI to look real. It may show a person saying or doing something they never did, or an event that never happened. Some are made for fun or art. Some are made to trick people.
You cannot always tell by looking, and tools keep improving. So instead of relying only on your eyes, build habits that check the context.
Look, then look around
Odd details can be clues: strange hands, blurred text, mismatched shadows, jewelry that melts, backgrounds that bend, or a voice that does not match lip movement. But clean images exist too, so treat clues as hints, not proof.
The stronger move is to look around the content. Who posted it first? Is there a source you trust that reports the same thing? Does the account have a history, or is it new? Does the story make you very angry or afraid? Strong feelings are a reason to slow down.
Verify before you share
Try three steps. First, search for the claim in words, not just the picture, and see whether reliable news outlets report it. Second, use a reverse image search tool to see where a picture has appeared before. Third, check if the person or organization shown has said anything on their own official channels.
Weak: sharing because it feels true and your friends will like it. Strong: waiting ten minutes, checking two independent sources, and sharing only what holds up.
A worked example
Sofia in Madrid sees a video of a famous scientist endorsing a miracle supplement. The voice is smooth, the video is clean. But she searches the scientist's name and finds no mention on any official page or news site. Several fact-checking sites flag the clip as fake.
She does not buy and does not share. She also sends a note to her group chat saying she checked. That is how one person slows a rumor.
Practice now
- Pick an image or story currently trending. Search the claim in words, and write down two independent places that confirm or deny it.
- Ask an AI tool for a checklist for verifying a viral video, and remind it to include that no checklist is perfect.
Use any AI assistant you have. Do not paste private, client or patient information into it.
Check yourself
1. What is the best first move for a surprising viral video?
2. Why are visual clues not enough?
3. Strong emotion about a post is a reason to...
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AI-drafted. Checked by an automated validator and a separate AI reviewer; a person has not read every lesson. Translations and tutor answers are AI-made. Found a mistake? Tell us. AI can be wrong. General information only, not professional advice. Not affiliated with any AI company named. Current University is not accredited.