Targeting Generation Z (12-28 year olds):
This age demographic, specifically younger adults, are primary digital users. They the largest demographic utilizing AI technogies and consuming digital pornography, making them relevant to both aspects of the thesis. Additionally they are regular users of social media where AI generated media is frequently distributed.
A series of interviews asked users about their everyday use of technology and familiarty with AI; including consumption, context, and detection ability.
Users reported inconsistent understanding of deepfakes. Some subjects reported frequent AI interaction, while others engaged with it only occasionally. Although they felt confident identifying AI content by its ‘uncanny’ qualities, one subject admitted to not knowing what deepfakes were, suggesting they may unknowingly engage with them. Overall, AI media was mostly encountered in lighthearted or humorous contexts, reflecting both the casual nature of everyday exposure and the limited awareness of more malicious uses, such as deepfakes.