The Power of Video in Shaping Perceptions

Video content affects individuals more deeply than written content, triggering stronger emotional responses and leading to more vivid memories. This effect is particularly pronounced in the case of traumatic content, with videos creating a lasting impact on individuals. Even when individuals are informed that a video is fake, the 'continued influence effect' suggests that the video continues to shape their perceptions. To mitigate this influence, it is crucial to not only reveal the fakeness but also reconstruct a new narrative around the content. The example of a Taylor Swift deep fake video showcases that individuals with less pre-existing knowledge about the subject are more susceptible to having their perceptions altered by such content. Deep fakes have the potential to reshape individuals' mental models of the world, especially if their existing models are less developed, ultimately leading to enduring effects.