As per Merriam-Webster, “Authentic” has been selected as the expression of the year for 2023 amidst a rise in conceptual artificial intelligence technology and a continued fascination with how individuals portray themselves in cultural advertising.
The dictionary notes that the audience’s interest in this term stems from their curiosity about AI, as well as aspects like “celebrity lifestyle, personality, and cultural advertising.”
Peter Sokolowski, the director at large for Merriam-Webster, mentioned that the upsurge of AI has played a significant role in sparking curiosity around the word. The distinction between what is “real” and what is “fake” has become increasingly blurred, making authenticity the new benchmark for instilling trust in social advertising and marketing.
The advent of generative AI technologies such as ChatGPT and Midjourney has not only fueled interest in the realm of possibilities but has also raised questions about the nature of reality. Despite the long-standing trend of people curating polished versions of their lives on social platforms, many individuals now place value on upholding authenticity in their online presence.
Merriam-Webster highlighted several other terms that captured considerable media attention in 2023, including “Deepfake,” inspired by AI-driven videos showcasing technological prowess, “Dystopian” concerning climate change and AI-related anxieties, the “Coronation” of King Charles, a recent addition to the dictionary in September, and “X,” following the rebranding of the platform previously known as Twitter.
Sokolowski further remarked that their most popular searches serve as a portal into the prevailing experiences and trends that have defined the era.
