In Post-Authenticity AI Age, Knowledge Institutions Matter More than Ever
In this article, our lab director John Wihbey examines how generative AI is accelerating a shift toward what he calls a “post-authenticity” era - one in which large segments of the public no longer prioritize whether online content is real or synthetic. Drawing on emerging research and recent developments in AI video generation, Wihbey argues that while technical solutions like provenance systems and watermarking have dominated the policy conversation, these tools are insufficient without strong, trusted knowledge institutions capable of making authenticity matter. He highlights how the erosion of universities, journalism, libraries, and other epistemic anchors- combined with platforms’ retreat from trust and safety work- has weakened society’s ability to counter deepfakes, viral propaganda, and synthetic media designed for emotional or political impact. The piece ultimately contends that rebuilding institutional legitimacy and pressuring platforms to act as responsible stewards of information are essential for preserving democratic knowledge in an AI-saturated media environment.
