What does it really mean to be authentic?
It may sound like a deep philosophical question, but I’m not trying to sound profound or anything. It’s just that as we move into 2026, this question feels increasingly relevant.
People are looking for spaces where they can see the true state of the world, a sort of protection from being misled.
I’ve had enough of being tricked
If you’re on platforms like X, Instagram, or Facebook, you’ve likely started questioning what’s real. Your feed is often filled with an array of AI-generated images and videos.
Sure, some are easily identifiable as fake. Like a penguin shaking hands with a polar bear on a dock while a moose watches from a sailboat? Yeah, definitely AI-generated. But other images can be trickier.
Take a stunning photo of a sunrise over snow-covered mountains. Striking, right? Except it’s not real. And a woman’s tale about how a scheduling app transformed her life? Well, that might not be as trustworthy either.
Unless you have a sharp eye, it’s quite possible you’ve been duped by an AI-created image, even if just for a moment. Don’t feel bad about it, even if you do. We weren’t designed for a world where images appear almost real but aren’t. What have we experienced in the past that prepared us for this? The saying “seeing is believing” might have held some truth at one time, but I’m not so sure anymore.
Welcome to a bewildering reality
This poses significant questions for society. How do we navigate a world filled with a blend of reality and fiction? How do we build a society centered around truth when everything is clouded by false images and videos? How can we communicate if we can’t agree on the basic facts? These are fundamental issues, yet no clear answers exist.
On a more personal level, though, I think it’s intriguing. Many people seem to be yearning for more truth and authenticity. Now, not everyone feels this urgency. Some embrace the absurd, nihilistic elements of our world. But for many, the temptations, confusion, and superficial aspects of artificial realities are becoming increasingly apparent.
This year, I launched a project called movie 20. It’s a collection of film photography, a space dedicated to showing real moments captured by real people around the world. No iPhone snaps or digital DSLR shots—only film. Just pure reality.
Related: the children are outside
A thirst for authenticity
Initially, our followers were mainly people who love film photography. But recently, the account has seen a huge surge in followers. About 29,000 people now follow Film20, which is all about documenting genuine moments through film.
While not everyone in that number is a photographer, we receive tons of messages from talented photographers worldwide. They’re not just following for pretty pictures. Much of our growth stems from highlighting the essence of Film20’s mission.
“It’s never AI. It’s always reality. Only in movies.”
So, here we have 29,000 individuals looking for a feed rooted in genuine experiences. They’re seeking a space where they can see the world unfiltered and shield themselves from deception.
Nurturing authenticity
Admittedly, not everyone shares this yearning for authenticity. I get it—these 29,000 followers don’t represent the entire population in 2026. However, I don’t think this desire for truth will vanish, nor do I believe that the perception of the artificial in digital images is a fleeting trend. As we delve further into the AI realm, I suspect the longing for reality will intensify.
The tide of fake videos and images seems likely to continue flooding our digital landscape. It’s a hassle. Next year we’ll likely see even more misleading content than this year.
Whether it’s through film photography, live performances, local cuisines, or authentic human experiences, cultivating and exploring reality is essential. Just like making time for a nutritious meal or picking up a good book, we should actively seek out authenticity in all its forms.
Reality, after all, benefits our body, mind, and spirit.
