How to detect AI-Generated Content from Human content

By aidetective / December 26, 2024

Question that has gained significant attention lately is whether humans can effectively distinguish between AI-generated content and human content. Recent research indicates that the situation is more complicated than it appears. Current AI tools are already so effective that especially people who are not trained for AI detection can’t tell the difference. This obviously raises some concerns as AI can be misused. When used right, AI can be great tool to improve efficiency, but we need to have also some tools in place to tell what is created by AI and what is created by real human.

Can Humans Detect AI-Generated Content?

In short, even though many people are confident in their ability to recognize AI-generated text, they frequently find it difficult to do so accurately. A study published in ScienceDirect revealed that pre-service teachers identified AI-generated texts correctly only 45.1% of the time, while experienced teachers had an accuracy rate of 37.8%. This suggests that even those with training in education, where recognizing authenticity is vital, struggle to tell apart AI content from human writing.

The Role of AI Detection Tools

Interestingly, AI detection tools significantly outperform humans in identifying AI-generated content. For example, research from Penn State University showed that humans could distinguish AI-generated text only about 53% of the time, which is just slightly better than random guessing. In contrast, AI detection solutions created by the same researchers achieved an impressive accuracy rate of 85% to 95%.

Why is it important to detect AI from Human?

The difficulty in reliably detecting AI-generated content carries several implications. In the field of education, it raises issues regarding academic integrity and the authenticity of student submissions. In journalism and online media, it presents risks associated with misinformation and the proliferation of fake news. As AI tools become increasingly advanced, the challenge of differentiating between human and AI-generated content is likely to intensify.

While many individuals may feel they can spot AI-generated content, the truth is that they often struggle to do so without the support of sophisticated AI detection tools. As AI technology continues to advance, it will be essential to develop and utilize these tools to uphold the integrity and authenticity of online content.

Test your skills in detecting AI with quick quiz:

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Start the Human or AI Quiz

Can you tell the difference between real human and AI? Test your skills in 3 different sections: Text, Images and Music.

1 / 15

Section 1: Images

Is this photo real or AI generated?

Human

2 / 15

Section 1: Images

Is this photo real or AI generated?

Human

3 / 15

Section 1: Images

Is this photo real or AI generated?

Human

4 / 15

Section 1: Images

Is this photo real or AI generated?

Human

5 / 15

Section 1: Images

Is this photo real or AI generated?

Human

6 / 15

Section 2: Text

Is this text written by Human or AI?

“The President of the United States is selected through an indirect election process. Citizens cast their votes in the popular election, but the winner is ultimately determined by the Electoral College, where electors from each state (based on the state’s representation in Congress) vote for the candidate who won the popular vote in their state. A candidate needs a majority of 270 out of 538 electoral votes to win.”

Human

7 / 15

Section 2: Text

Is this text written by human or AI?
At its core, cryptocurrency is typically decentralized digital money designed to be used over the internet. Bitcoin, which launched in 2008, was the first cryptocurrency, and it remains by far the biggest, most influential, and best-known. In the decade since, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum have grown as digital alternatives to money issued by governments.

Human

8 / 15

Section 2: Text

Is this joke written by Human or AI?

Why did the calculator break up with the pencil?

It felt they didn’t add up, and the pencil was always drawing conclusions!

Human

9 / 15

Section 2: Text

Okay, its hard to tell from short joke. Here is article discussing ocean preservation. Can you tell if it is written by human or AI?

Oceans cover more than 70% of Earth’s surface and are essential to life on our planet. These vast bodies of saltwater—Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic, and Southern—form a single, interconnected global ocean that regulates climate, supports biodiversity, and sustains human life. Oceans play a critical role in controlling Earth’s climate. They absorb and distribute heat from the sun, driving weather patterns and ocean currents. They also act as carbon sinks, absorbing about 25% of the carbon dioxide emitted by human activities, helping mitigate climate change. More than 3 billion people rely on oceans for their livelihoods, primarily through fishing and tourism. Oceans also provide critical resources such as food, medicine, and even oxygen—produced by phytoplankton, which generate about half of the world’s breathable air. Despite their importance, oceans face significant threats. Overfishing, pollution, and climate change are depleting marine resources and damaging ecosystems. Plastic waste alone kills countless marine animals annually and forms massive garbage patches, such as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

Human

10 / 15

Section 2: Text

Here is an article about kids’ phone usage. Is it Human or AI written?

Nine in 10 teens say they use YouTube, while about 6 in 10 teens say they use TikTok and Instagram, and 55% use Snapchat, according to the survey. Some 32% use Facebook, while 23% use WhatsApp. Regardless of the platform, if kids are always online, they don’t have enough time to do other important things, experts said. And what they are doing on social media could be bad for their physical or mental health.

Human

11 / 15