International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Deepfake and the Crisis of Trust in Digital Public Spheres

The rapid rise of deepfake technology is changing how we experience digital media and raising serious questions about what we can trust online. As synthetic audio and video content becomes more lifelike and easier for anyone to create, it is beginning to influence how people understand truth, credibility, and public communication. This study looks at how deepfakes are fueling a wider crisis of trust by blurring the line between real and fabricated content, spreading misinformation, and increasing public scepticism across digital platforms. Using qualitative methods, particularly social media discourse analysis and case studies of major deepfake incidents, the research explores how people make sense of and respond to synthetic media in their everyday online lives. The findings show that deepfakes create a sense of epistemic uncertainty, weaken trust in both traditional and digital news sources, and shape civic behaviour by encouraging doubt, confusion, and polarisation. Ultimately, the paper argues that this crisis of trust is not just about technology; it is deeply social, emerging from a post-truth environment and fragmented digital publics. By examining the cultural meanings and social consequences of deepfakes, the study adds to ongoing discussions on misinformation, digital ethics, and the future of democratic communication.