The world of media is changing faster than ever, thanks to artificial intelligence. From deepfakes that can manipulate videos to make people say or do things they never did, to AI-generated influencers taking over social media, it’s clear that the future of media is becoming more artificial. But here’s the big question: How real does all of this actually feel?
Deepfakes are already making waves. These AI-powered videos can recreate someone’s face and voice with such accuracy that it’s hard to tell what’s real and what’s not. This has amazing potential for creativity and entertainment, but it also raises some serious concerns. If a video looks 100% real but is completely fake, how do we know what to trust? With technology this convincing, the line between reality and fiction is starting to blur.
Then there are AI-generated influencers—like Lil Miquela, a digital character with millions of followers. Many people engage with her as if she’s a real person, even though she’s entirely made up. These virtual influencers are designed to never have a bad day or make a mistake, which can be perfect for brands. But at the same time, it makes us question how authentic our interactions are when we might not even realize we’re talking to an AI, not a human.
In his book, Synthetic Media: The Next Reality, Henrik de Gyor dives into this fascinating new world. He explores how synthetic media is changing everything from advertising to film to social media. The opportunities are incredible, but we also have to think about the consequences of living in a world where what we see and hear could be completely manufactured.
As this technology continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the future of media is getting more artificial by the day. And while it might feel real, we’ll have to decide what that means for how we consume and trust the content we interact with every day.
