Real or AI — October 1, 2026

Five pairs. In each pair one photograph is real and one was generated. Hints below; answers are folded away so you can play first.

Play today’s challenge

Today’s hints and answers

Round 1 · architecture · difficulty 1/3

Scan the window grid — repeating patterns are a classic tell.

Show answer
real photograph
REAL — on the left
ai generated image
AI — on the right

Real photo: “Bonn, Post-Tower -- 2017 -- 2136.jpg” — Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Round 2 · street · difficulty 1/3

Read the reflections on the wet road, and any text on signs.

Show answer
real photograph
REAL — on the left
ai generated image
AI — on the right

Real photo: “(2005) RaiNY (5691664789).jpg” — Diego Torres Silvestre from Sao Paulo, Brazil, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Round 3 · food · difficulty 2/3

Edges give it away: where food meets plate, and whether crumbs look plausible.

Show answer
real photograph
REAL — on the left
ai generated image
AI — on the right

Real photo: “Liat Portal for Foodie Disorder - Colorful Homemade Breakfast Plate.jpg” — HaJunkiyada, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Round 4 · cabin · difficulty 2/3

Check the wood grain and how snow sits on the roof edge.

Show answer
real photograph
REAL — on the right
ai generated image
AI — on the left

Real photo: “Honeymoon Creek Snow Survey Cabin shingles - Winema NF Oregon.jpg” — Ian Poellet, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Round 5 · dog · difficulty 2/3

Watch the legs and how the grass behaves around them.

Show answer
real photograph
REAL — on the right
ai generated image
AI — on the left

Real photo: “Dummy Training (10579889014).jpg” — Dirk Vorderstraße, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

How to spot an AI-generated photo →

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