The landscape of entertainment and popular media has shifted from a top-down broadcast model to a decentralized, interactive ecosystem. As of 2026, the traditional boundaries between "creator" and "consumer" have effectively dissolved. This paper examines how technological disruption—specifically the rise of generative AI and immersive platforms—has redefined the value of authenticity in a world of abundant, often synthetic, content.

Introduction

To analyze modern media, we must look beyond surface-level consumption and apply established frameworks: