About The Images

All the “photos” used on this website were generated using AI. We did this in an effort to show people just how easy it is to create compelling imagery using generative tools, and how deceptive that imagery can be.

a long distance aerial photograph of a Los Angeles suburb completely burned out by a fire except for a single blue vw van --ar 16:9 --style raw --stylize 60 --q 2

a long distance aerial photograph of a Los Angeles suburb completely burned out by a fire except for a single blue house --ar 16:9 --style raw --stylize 60 --q 2

a long distance aerial photograph of a Los Angeles ocean suburb completely burned out by a fire except for a single blue house --ar 16:9 --style raw --stylize 60 --q 2

There was a conspiracy theory about “blue roofed homes” being spared in the wildfires; what you see here is a play on that theme. We have spent some time debunking AI imagery online, but because of the scope of the problem, it’s easier to provide some basic suggestions around how to spot fake imagery yourself.

Some things to look for when assessing if an image is AI generated:

If there is electrical equipment, do the wires attach to anything?

Check the dashboard on cars
Check the knobs on radios or stereos
Check the buttons on mice

Look at the arms and legs on animals and humans — are there two? Three? Five? How many fingers on a hand? How many pads on a paw?
If there is a helmet or mask on a person, does it fit properly, and are the attachments (goggles, straps) consistent with reality?
Is text legible and coherent?
If being used to “prove” a conspiracy, is it uncannily literal?

We aren’t far from a point where these inconsistencies in AI imagery will be addressed, but until then, we can usually see the signs of AI at a distance. Stay aware and skeptical.