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Synthetic media could revolutionise the way we communicate. We could cut out unnecessary business travel by sending an avatar in our place, or allow people with degenerative diseases to speak in their own voices using AI. However, in our increasingly digital world, signs have already begun to suggest synthetic media is warping our perception of ourselves. Filters, photo and video editing, and constant airbrushing of reality may be contributing to a mental health crisis amongst young women, feeding into a withering of authenticity.
Advances in synthetic media mean we can synthetically replicate people more realistically than ever before. This includes activists bringing victims of injustice back to ‘life’ to spread a message, and private individuals who want to bring back their loved ones or to preserve themselves digitally. As synthetic media changes the way we see ourselves, others, and the world around us, how will this change our thinking about our individuality and existence?
Interviewees: Manuel Oliver, campaigner; Alex Serdiuk, Respeecher, Brittan Heller, Atlantic Council

Presenter: Henry Ajder
Producer: Flora Carmichael