January 4, 2023 MDG

Welcome to the unreal world of synthetic media

Where belief is suspended and provenance is unknown.

Synthetic media is media created or modified by artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Far from a new topic here but one that has moved forward with major technology advances and tooling.

In a world where it is difficult to distinguish between real and artificially generated content, our ability to believe and trust is challenged.

 

When our primary methods of encoding and verifying information are no longer reliable, it can be difficult to determine provenance and the accuracy of the information we encounter. This raises important questions about the impact of synthetic media on society and the potential risks and consequences of this technology.

Synthetic media  is set to impact the way we create and consume media, making it more efficient and accessible. It can be used for entertainment, education, and communication, it more likely be used for advertising, disinformation and information warfare.

The lack of control over the content that is created and the potential for it to be used for nefarious purposes, such as creating deep fakes for the purpose of deception or sabotage is cannon. It raises questions about authenticity and provenance, as it can be difficult to distinguish between real and artificially generated content.

The societal implications of synthetic media are significant and complex.  It will depend on how it is used and regulated. It is important to consider ways to mitigate the risks of synthetic media while maximizing the benefits. Regulation is unlikely and weaponization is more than likely. Action to follow.