Evaluating Authenticity in the Age of AI-Generated Media

Can You Tell What Images are Real or Not?

Part of AI literacy asks is understanding how quickly generative AI evolves and keep in mind the challenges this entails. For one, we all believe we can detect AI. Let's put that to the test by playing a quick round of Microsoft's Real or Not image quiz.

Identifying Real v. Fake Text

In this digital age, we're constantly surrounded by text - from news articles and blog posts to social media updates and emails. But have you ever stopped to think about whether the text you're reading was written by a human or a computer? With advancements in AI, it's becoming increasingly challenging to distinguish between human-generated and computer-generated text.

Today, we're going to explore this topic using a game called Real or Fake Text. This game presents us with a series of texts, and our task is to determine whether each one was written by a human or generated by a computer. 

So, are you ready to navigate the textual maze? Let's dive in! 

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:

  • Identify key characteristics that may distinguish real text from computer-generated text.

  • Apply critical thinking skills to evaluate the authenticity of a piece of text.

  • Use the game at https://roft.io/ to practice distinguishing between real and computer-generated text.

  • Reflect on the implications of computer-generated text for information consumption and dissemination.

Discussion Questions:

  • What are some key differences you notice between real and computer-generated text?

  • How might the ability to generate realistic text impact our consumption of news, social media, and other information?

  • What strategies can we use to ensure the information we consume is authentic and reliable?

  • How did playing the game change your understanding or perception of computer-generated text?

  • What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of computer-generated text?

Reflective Questions:

  • How confident do you feel in your ability to distinguish between real and computer-generated text after playing the game? Why?

  • How might the skills practiced in this game apply to your everyday life, particularly in the digital age?

  • What surprised you most about the game or the concept of computer-generated text?

  • How might you apply what you've learned today in your role as an educator or student?

  • What further questions or areas of interest do you have after participating in this lesson?

Remember, the goal of these questions is to stimulate thought and discussion, so there are no right or wrong answers. The most important thing is to engage with the material and consider its implications for our lives and society.


AI Disclosure Label: I used OpenAI’s ChatGPT to create an outline for this assignment. I then used my own language to edit the material. Finally, I tasked the AI with developing a series of reflective questions to help guide metacognition at the end of the reflection.