[hanselot]

2030: Deepfakes are rampant, causing significant issues in politics, entertainment, and personal privacy. However, instead of technological solutions, there is a growing trend of regulatory capture. Large corporations and governments begin to argue that deepfakes are an inevitable part of the digital landscape. The cost-effectiveness of creating deepfake content compared to traditional media production becomes a significant talking point.

2031: As deepfake technology becomes more sophisticated and cheaper, it starts to replace traditional media production methods. Major studios and media companies lobby for and receive regulatory approval to use deepfakes as a legitimate form of content creation. This shift is justified by the reduced cost and logistical ease of using AI-generated characters instead of real actors.

2032: A scandal arises involving a particularly damaging deepfake, but instead of driving a push towards authenticity verification technologies, it leads to further normalization of deepfakes. The argument is made that since distinguishing between real and fake content is increasingly difficult, society should adapt to accepting deepfake content as a new norm.

2033: Social media platforms and news outlets begin to openly embrace deepfake technology, citing cost reduction and the ability to generate more engaging content. Traditional media actors and creators are increasingly marginalized, with deepfake creators dominating the market.

2034: Regulatory bodies, heavily influenced by big tech and media conglomerates, begin to actively promote deepfake content. New regulations make it easier for deepfake content to be produced and disseminated, while traditional media production is bogged down by increased costs and regulatory hurdles.

2035: The public gradually accepts deepfakes as the primary form of digital content. Traditional media, with real actors and genuine locations, becomes a niche market due to its higher production costs and complexity. Deepfakes evolve in unexpected ways, permeating every aspect of digital media and blurring the line between reality and AI-generated content.