Judeumeh's Blog

Emerging technologies have been gradually reshaping our perception of reality. This may have begun with electronic games (or perhaps early Reality TV), multiplayer online role playing games (MORPG), then came social media, fake news, and various Extended Reality (XR) technologies, including the Metaverse. The addition of AI generated deep fakes and now multi-modal Generative AI has dramatically raised the stakes and begs the question, are we now living in an age of edited realities?

As we traverse an evolving digital landscape, we find ourselves in the midst of an era defined by an edited reality; a reality shaped, manipulated, and curated through the lens of emerging technologies. It’s a reality that has evolved, due to the maturation of online digital technology, social media and the advent of extended reality, super-charged by generative AI. Here is a quick outline of how we got here:

1. The revolution began with electronic games. They introduced us to an abstract concept of multiple lives, where characters could die and be reborn, resetting the narrative. From arcade games to complex online multiplayer platforms, they provided a foundation for how we perceive and interact with digital spaces.
2. Then came social media, further reshaping our digital experiences. From personal profiles to news feeds, we’ve seen the rise of fake news, deep fakes, and doxxing, blurring the lines between truth and falsehood. While they created opportunities for connection, they also laid the groundwork for misinformation, manipulating our perception of reality.
3. Today, extended reality (XR)—a spectrum that includes virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and the metaverse—has become our new playground. With XR, we can superimpose digital content onto the physical world, construct alternate realities, and even inhabit these spaces. Apple’s Vison Pro and Meta’s Quest are just the latest in a long line of devices.
4. Generative AI technologies are intensifying the sophistication of these realities. Through machine learning algorithms, AI can produce realistic and human-like content, characters, interactions, and narratives. It can manipulate our digital experiences in real-time, a potent tool for creation but also a potential instrument for deceit.

But what are the implications and potential impact of edited reality becoming the norm and an accepted way of life?

• Identity – In this edited reality, the question of identity has become more complex and fluid, highlighting how people can express themselves in digital spaces in ways they might not feel safe or comfortable doing in physical ones. These technologies can recreate us in different genders, ages, races, religions, or even physically idealized versions of ourselves, confronting issues such as dysphoria and body shaping. Even phenomena like the rise of the “incels” (involuntary celibates) have found a platform and a voice within these digital spaces.
• Mindset – Consider the mindset of young people growing up in this context. They’re learning to navigate, contribute to, and even create these edited realities. Their perception of self, others, and the world is filtered through this digital lens, challenging traditional norms and expectations.
• Dating – Even in dating and partner selection, technology’s influence is palpable. An online survey quoted young people saying they found online dating to be too transactional, causing decision fatigue and doubt. The paradox of choice—having too many options—becomes a hurdle in the search for love and companionship.
• Intellectual Property – What does this mean for intellectual property and copyright? Imagine someone using generative AI to recreate your likeness or voice, or even a deepfake version of you being used in a way you never consented to. Scenarios like these raise questions around ownership, consent, and the boundaries of copyright law. If an AI generates a piece of music or a work of art, who owns it? The creator of the AI or the AI itself? The creative industries are in upheaval , for example: wholly AI generated films such as The Frost only start to hint at the possibilities.

What are some key considerations for guiding the evolution of Generative AI and edited realities?

• The super power of Generative AI is in its usability and accessibility, offering unprecedented potential for crafting realistic, human-like content and interactions. However, anthropomorphising AI, despite creating a sense of familiarity, may not be the logical or ideal end state. Such anthropomorphism could limit the true potential of AI and / or potentially widen the already open door for various biases, including: racism, sexism, and ageism, as well as digital exclusion.
• A critical perspective to consider is how cultural narratives may skew our perceptions of AI technology. Often, these narratives are dystopian or disproportionately influenced by white, male, Hollywood narratives. According to the works of researcher, KantaDihal.com, the inclusion of diverse cultural perspectives in developing AI could help imagine more balanced and equitable AI applications.
• In any case, it is also important to take into account the occasional down cycles in AI development, famously known as “AI winters,” and we should remind ourselves of the potential pitfalls and stagnation periods that can occur in the evolution of AI technologies.

In conclusion, it is clear that we’re standing on the precipice of an era of edited reality. As we experiment, adopt, and utilize these technologies, we need to proceed with caution. Emphasizing inclusion and diversity in AI development, setting clear regulations on AI-generated content, and educating society about the potential risks and rewards of these technologies are necessary measures. . As we shape our digital future, we must ensure it’s one that values authenticity, respect, and integrity, balancing the promise of technology with the protection of our human rights and identities.