Spotting artificial intelligence ahead of the 2026 primary election

Spotting artificial intelligence ahead of the 2026 primary election

Spotting artificial intelligence ahead of the 2026 primary election

https://www.kbtx.com/2026/02/20/spotting-artificial-intelligence-ahead-2026-primary-election/

Publish Date: 2026-02-20 09:05:00

Source Domain: www.kbtx.com

  • Artificial Intelligence Deception: More Americans are encountering politically manipulated content online, raising questions about the authenticity of images and videos.
  • Understanding Misinformation vs. Disinformation: Mariano Castillo, a Texas A&M University professor, emphasizes the difference between misinformation (false information shared unintentionally) and disinformation (intentionally false information meant to deceive).
  • Red Flags in AI Content: Castillo advises looking at natural human features like eyes, fingers, and lighting. Unnatural or overly glossy features may indicate AI manipulation.
  • Critical Thinking Over Emotion: If a viral political video evokes strong emotions like anger, Castillo suggests pausing to cross-reference with other credible stories or news outlets.
  • Reverse Image Search: For verifying the authenticity of questionable content, users can utilize a reverse image search on Google to discover where else the image has appeared and if it was confirmed by reputable sources.
  • Common Sense Approach: Ultimately, Castillo advises using common sense and looking for indicators such as labels, watermarks, or fine print that suggest AI-generated content.