SYNTHETIC REALITY AS A STRATEGIC THREAT: FROM DISINFORMATION TO PREDICTIVE MANIPULATION

Абстракт

The article examines the potential of artificial intelligence to transform disinformation into a sophisticated type of synthetic reality operating on hyper-personalized manipulation and cognitive exploitation. Synthetic reality is fundamentally different from traditional forms of propaganda as it is deeply immersive, far more persistent, and has the capacity to influence the decisions and behaviours of individuals and societies. The discussion explores how synthetic media undermine strategic trust, while creating a lasting threat bypassing conventional detection and defense mechanisms. The paper identifies significant gaps in preparedness in terms of law, technology and doctrine and concludes by identifying policy and resilience based solutions for dealing with these evolving challenges.