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In a year dominated by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and the persistent battle against disinformation on social media, Merriam-Webster, the venerable dictionary publisher in the United States, has declared the word of the year for 2023: “authentic.” As technology blurs the lines between reality and fabrication, pursuing authenticity has become a central theme in public discourse.
The surge in AI advancements and the proliferation of deepfakes, where manipulated images and videos deceive viewers, have created an environment where trusting one’s own eyes becomes daunting. The growing difficulty distinguishing fact from fiction in the digital landscape has prompted a collective search for clarity.
Merriam-Webster’s editor-at-large, Peter Sokolowski, notes a “crisis on authenticity” in 2023. The term “authentic” has experienced a significant uptick in searches as individuals grapple with the challenges posed by AI, celebrity culture, identity, and the influence of social media. The very act of questioning authenticity has paradoxically led to an increased valuation of the concept.
The renewed interest in authenticity has been fueled by narratives and conversations surrounding AI, celebrity culture, identity, and social media. Notably, influential figures in the entertainment industry, such as Sam Smith and Taylor Swift, have contributed to the popularization of the term. Both artists have publicly stated their desire to embrace their “authentic voice” or discover their “authentic self.”
Even in the realm of social media, the call for authenticity resonated. Elon Musk, the owner of X (formerly Twitter), spurred an uptick in searches for the word as he urged people to be more authentic on the platform.
Merriam-Webster’s list of runner-up words provides a snapshot of the most-discussed topics 2023. “Deepfake,” a term synonymous with digitally manipulated content, made the list, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by deceptive media practices. “Deadname,” defined as the name given to a transgender person at birth but no longer used upon transitioning, reflects the evolving discourse around gender identity.
Other notable runner-up words include “indict,” surging amid the legal troubles of former US president Donald Trump; “dystopian,” capturing the collective anxiety about societal trends; and “kibbutz,” seeing increased interest following Hamas’ cross-border attack on Israel in October.
In 2022, Merriam-Webster’s word of the year was “gaslighting,” a term describing the manipulation of another person to make them question themselves. The shift from “gaslighting” to “authenticity” underscores the dynamic nature of societal concerns and the ever-evolving linguistic landscape.
As the year comes to a close, the prominence of “authentic” in 2023 reflects linguistic trends and the collective consciousness navigating the complexities of a technologically driven era. The word encapsulates the year’s challenges, aspirations, and quest for truth in an increasingly intricate digital world.
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