Photo and Video Manipulation
As social media has become an ever-growing field for sharing various elements of visual communication, the rise of distrust amongst its' viewers has been greatly challenged. Videos and images that people try to interpret go viral, and just like that a web of subjective explanations are spun.
When it comes to photo manipulation, it can be easy to believe that photos present the truth more than videos, since it would seem as though videos would be harder to edit. The fact of the matter is that, nowadays, any form of media can be edited.
Photo manipulation, hidden cameras, graphic videos, deep fakes, all lead to a question of ethical responsibility. Questions arise regarding the reasons behind why certain videos and pictures are posted, and if people should be allowed to exploit others' lives. Many times, because of a political or socioeconomic climate, viral photos and videos seem to appear at every corner. With this comes hasty accusations and criticisms without the whole story being brought to light.
The Talent Of Manipulation
Especially when talking about social media, there has been an increase in awareness to the fact that not everything someone sees on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc. is real life. Helpful undercover videos show influencers' actual photos compared to the ones they posted, as many times the edits were so subtle that the viewer didn't even notice.
Photo and video manipulators have learned to take advantage of which outlets people trust, and make their work as realistic as possible. If something does go viral, they then have the news, journalists, and society at their fingertips.
According to an article by The Atlantic One mindset to have when confronted with such videos and images, is "rather than drawing conclusions about who was viscous or righteous ... it might be better to stop and look at how film footage constructs rather than reflects the truth of a debate ..."
This quote is ultimately saying that before someone decides on whether or not a viral video or photo they see is truth, they should view it as objectively as possible. Checking to see where else the story is being told, or who is telling the story, offers the chance to fact check what it actually is that someone is seeing.
Facing The Future
Sadly, as a society people have realized that the tool of manipulation won't be going away anytime soon. However, there has been research conducted to help people decipher the messages they see on a regular basis.
Purdue Engineering came out with a video explaining one way they are combating deep fakes in an attempt to better their community and clients. The video here explains that their software will only get stronger and more accurate the more that deep fakes are discovered.
If society agrees to try and have a mindset that includes objective discernment when confronted with a potential visual communication lie, the truth will eventually come out. If everyone can work together to challenge what is truth and what is a lie, society can getting rid of the stigma that people believe everything they see.
Manipulation has defiantly become a talent. I just wish there was one sources without a tarnished reputation that we could place our trust. I agree that we need to work together as the future of profession to improve.
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