(1) What is the source of the content? Is it from a reputable, known source, or an unfamiliar website or social media account? 

(2) Does the context in which the image is presented seem plausible or sensationalist? Are there any accompanying claims? 

(3) Are there visible inconsistencies in lighting, shadows, or reflections within the image, particularly around the subject’s face or body compared to the background? 

(4) Do the edges of the person or object in question look unnaturally sharp, blurry, or pixelated compared to the rest of the image? 

(5) Are there any unusual distortions or artifacts in facial features, such as eyes, teeth, ears, or hair? Do they look symmetrical or natural? 

(6) Does the skin texture look overly smooth, waxy, or patchy? Are there any inconsistencies in skin tone or blemishes? 

(7) If it’s a known person, does their expression, pose, or the situation depicted align with their known behaviour or public persona? 

(8) Are there any oddities in the background details? Do objects appear distorted, or are there any illogical elements present? 

(9) Ask: have I seen this image elsewhere? Or can I find other sources corroborating or debunking it using a reverse image search (e.g., Google Images, TinEye)? 

(10) Are there any subtle digital artifacts, such as unusual patterns in textures (e.g., hair, fabric), inconsistencies in focus or resolution between different parts of the image, or tell-tale signs of digital “stitching” or “inpainting” that suggest a generative AI process was used?