For this week's readings, we read the Data & Society report titled "Deepfakes and Cheapfakes: The Manipulation of Audiovisual Evidence."
My trust in media online has definitely decreased over time. However, I believe the population that grew up alongside the internet is more aware of fake news and the way it thrives with our algorithmic systems structured based on engagement. We grew up with the statement that "not everything we see on the internet is real." With this awareness, I would argue that things like fake news and deepfakes / cheapfakes, although still prolific and poses many dangers, has lost some of its power with more of us skeptical of its accuracy. However, a continuous stream of any media preaching any specific idea has the power to sway our thinking as our interactions with this content continues. As addressed in the reading, the "truth" is never stable and is determined by our culture, society, and politics. So although these forms of synthetic media may not be as powerful as just a singular post or video, they are dangerous in consistent and large quantities and have the power for slow and subtle manipulation of the public perception, and therefore the "truth."