The Development of Extended Reality (XR) is Becoming More Mainstream, Including Deepfakes

Deepfake is a digital manipulation technology that utilizes artificial intelligence to create images, sounds, or videos that appear authentic. This technology works by studying a person's facial, movement, and voice patterns and then reconstructing them into new visual or audio content.

Deepfake content is often difficult to distinguish from authentic recordings due to its high degree of similarity. A person's face can be superimposed onto another person's body in a video, or a voice can be imitated to resemble a specific character. This makes deepfakes increasingly easy to spread across various digital platforms.

As they develop, deepfakes are not only used for entertainment or creative purposes, but also have the potential for abuse. The distribution of fake videos or audio can trigger misunderstandings, damage reputations, and even mislead the public if not handled wisely.

Some characteristics of deepfakes can be recognized by visual or audio irregularities, such as lip movements that are out of sync with the voice, facial expressions that appear stiff, inconsistent lighting changes, and voices that sound flat or unnatural. In some cases, details such as eye blinks, facial shadows, or skin texture also appear unrealistic upon closer inspection.

The public needs to be more vigilant in receiving and sharing digital content. Checking the source of information, paying attention to visual or audio anomalies, and not easily believing viral content are important steps to avoid the negative impacts of deepfakes.

As technology advances, understanding deepfakes becomes increasingly relevant. Digital literacy is considered crucial for the public to recognize, respond to, and use technology responsibly in the digital space.

Entering 2026, the world of technology is predicted to undergo a major evolution that will impact not only industry and business but also people's daily lives. One of the most dominant trends is the increasingly mature and widespread integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into various sectors. AI is expected to transform from a mere experimental tool into a major force in decision-making, business task automation, and more intuitive and personalized user experiences.

Concurrently, AI agents are expected to become a crucial feature in various digital applications and services. This technology enables systems to autonomously perform complex tasks, from customer service to real-time data analysis. Experts also predict that smart devices with local AI capabilities will increase, accelerating response times and reducing reliance on the cloud.

In addition to AI, trends in edge computing and advanced connectivity, such as the widespread deployment of 5G and early research into 6G, are creating faster and more responsive networks. This will open up opportunities for real-time technologies like autonomous vehicles, remote medical surgeries, and interconnected intelligent Internet of Things (IoT) systems.

The development of Extended Reality (XR) is also predicted to become increasingly mainstream. AR and VR technologies are no longer just entertainment, but are poised to transform education, job training, and digital shopping experiences. XR will enable more immersive digital interactions in both professional and personal life.

In the fields of quantum computing and robotics, new strides are also predicted. The advancement of quantum computing will aid complex scientific and industrial research, while intelligent robots are increasingly present in automation activities in homes, factories, and healthcare.

Technology trends for 2026 indicate that innovation will continue to push the boundaries of human and machine capabilities. For industry players, policymakers, and the general public, understanding the direction of these developments is crucial to preparing for an increasingly digital and connected future. With the right adaptations, these trends can provide opportunities to strengthen competitiveness and improve quality of life.