Merriam-Webster’s word of the year for 2023 is “authentic”, which is a fitting follow-up to their word of the year choice for 2022, “gaslighting,” a term for deceiving someone into doubting their own realities or beliefs.
“To thine own self be true.” Polonius’s remarks in Hamlet serve as a constant reminder to examine ourselves. However, according to Merriam-Webster, “when we question authenticity, we value it even more.” Honestly, yes. These days, every bit of our lifestyle is Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven; deep fakes and post-truths have blurred the boundary between “real” and “fake.” Authenticity gets prominence as Elon Musk believes that individuals should be more “authentic” on social media, and celebrities such as Taylor Swift strive for “authentic voice” and “authentic self”. But is that horizon of “authenticity”? While it is a desirable quality, what does the term “authentic” really describe? Being true to one’s own personality, spirit, or character? Not false or imitation? Made or done in the same way as an original?
