Post-digital authenticity
I agree with Ava, the author of this post, who effectively says that the internet has been stolen from us by Big Tech and people pushing a “post-authenticity” culture. Going back to offline for verification feels good at first, but steals something from those for whom the internet was liberating.
Looking around the internet, it’s clear that digital representations have become cheap, too perfect, and easily fabricated, and the offline world is increasingly the primary source of confirmation.
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Want to know whether someone really studied, wrote that exam, or is a suitable job candidate? Direct interaction, live problem-solving and in-person demonstrations are the way to go now. Claims of expertise, portfolios, blog posts, code projects, certificates, and even academic records can be fabricated or enhanced by AI online.
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We could call this post-digital authenticity. I know that social media platforms are currently pushing a sort of post-authenticity culture instead, where honesty and truth no longer matters and contrived and fabricated experiences for entertainment (ragebait, AI…) get more attention; but I think many, many people are tired of being constantly lied to, or being unable to trust their senses. I assume that the fascination with the totally fake that some people still have now is shortlived.
This step backwards into the offline feels healing at first, but also hurts, in a way. With all the valid criticisms, the internet still was a rather accessible place to finally find out the truth about events, avoid state censorship, and get to know people differently. It was especially good for the people who could not experience the same offline: People in rural areas, disabled and chronically ill people, queer people living far out and away from their peers, and more. It sucks that while others can and will return to a more authentic offline life, the ones left behind in a wasteland of mimicry are the ones who have always been left out.
Source: …hi, this is ava
Image: Igor Omilaev