Deepfake

What is a deepfake?

An authentic-looking depiction of a person that is not real

Deepfake is a piece of media, such as an image, video, or audio recording, that appears realistic but is fabricated. For example, several Tom Cruise deepfake TikToks went viral in 2021, depicting the actor doing ordinary things like eating a lollipop, even though he never did those things (at least not in those instances).

Deepfakes are possible due to the rise in artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced machine learning techniques. Additionally, algorithms can manipulate existing media or generate new content that mimics actual human features, voices, and movements, making content extremely difficult to distinguish from authentic recordings without thorough analysis.

You may see deepfakes in various contexts, including on social media and the entertainment industry, used for good or nefarious purposes (e.g., political manipulation and disinformation). Hollywood may use deepfake technology to de-age actors, bring dead people back to life (figuratively), and create other special effects. You may also see deepfake technology used to create interactive learning experiences or personalized avatars for people with disabilities.

Origin of deepfake

The term "deepfake" originated in 2017 when a Redditor (of the same name) combined the "deep learning" term with "fake." The user initially used the technology for swapping out people's faces in erotic videos.

Example

I'd hate being a celebrity with all these deepfakes on social media
Agreed. They are so realistic. You don't know what's real or fake anymore

Deepfake technology demonstration on Twitter

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Updated July 25, 2024

Deepfake definition by Slang.net

This page explains what the slang term "Deepfake" means. The definition, example, and related terms listed above have been written and compiled by the Slang.net team.

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