Authenticity and How We Fake It

<p> Consumers today are invested in reality-based media such as reality television and social media which in theory draw content from somewhere off-screen in our lived experience. This is seen as more authentic than the predominantly fictional media of the latter half of the 20th century.</p><p> Yet much of reality TV and social media is known by both consumers and creators of content to be scripted or contrived.</p><p> Addressing this problem deepens consumer engagement as authenticity becomes a preoccupation driving the extension of a new media ethic of truth and savvy. This dynamic is key to understanding consumers' changing attitudes about the media they value.</p><p> Reality TV Facebook and YouTube have created a paradigm shift in the media landscape. Analyzing these three established platforms--all of which have a stake in the conversation about authenticity--this book sheds light on the complicated behaviors and choices of media consumers.</p>