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AI LiterateDeepfakes & Misinformation lesson

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Step 2 of 8Explainer7 min

How fakes are made, and what gives them away

How is a fake made? An AI tool studies lots of real photos, videos, and voices. It learns what faces look like and how voices sound. Then it can make new images, video, or audio that seem real.

Fact

As of 2026, clues like odd hands are getting less reliable. AI tools keep improving.

That changes what to look for. A fake can look perfect. So where a clip came from matters more than how it looks.

Think back to Ethan’s video. It looked real. What would help you more: studying his face, or finding out who posted it first?

How much should each clue change your mind?

Card 1 of 6

Only one account posted it, and that account is new

Put it in(or drag it)

Strong clue 0 cards

Nothing here yet.

Weak clue 0 cards

Nothing here yet.

Sources6 links behind the facts on this page
  1. Science & Tech Spotlight: Deepfakes, GAO-20-379SP (U.S. GAO, February 20, 2020)
  2. Scammers use AI to enhance their family emergency schemes (FTC Consumer Alert, March 20, 2023)
  3. AI-Generated Video and Media Literacy (School Library Journal)
  4. Helping Students Navigate AI Generated Media (Video Librarian)
  5. AI or not? (News Literacy Project)
  6. 4 tips for spotting deepfakes and other AI-generated images (NPR, June 7, 2023)