![[IMG-20250125-WA0019.jpg]] > Deception has become the currency of our times. We see it everywhere from deepfake videos moulding public opinion to AI tools rewriting the very rules of authenticity. So begs the question of what is *true* and what is an *illusion*. Look at generative AI. It can surface hidden patterns and unlock insights, but it can also spin the most convincing lies. One day, we celebrate breakthroughs in quantum cryptography for secure communications. The next, we learn about quantum hacking that dismantles those safeguards. This isn’t a fringe issue. It’s happening on a global stage, right before our eyes. The relationship between deception and its detection is a **constant and evolving dynamic**, propelling tech advances and shaping human behaviour. This cycle - where **truths are unearthed** on one hand and **concealed** on the other, is visible in the very tools we develop, be they designed to e**xpose hidden realities** or to **keep them under wraps**. >Central to this is the human propensity for **self-deception**, often used as a psychological mechanism to deal with challenging situations. It highlights a paradox where overconfidence, sometimes despite unfavorable odds, serves as a mechanism for survival. This interplay extends into multiple aspects of life, including art, daily living and #deeptech advancements. The adage 'fake it till you make it' transforms into 'make it to fake it', **blurring the distinctions between reality and facade.** This reflects our active role in the **interplay of truth and illusion**, where we engage with deception in various forms, ranging from the simplicity of acting and magic to the complexities of tech innovations. In a world where **uncovering truth competes with the need to conceal it**, we often find ourselves in a juxtaposition of being **simultaneously present and absent.** This interplay, where art and life often mirror each other, signifies our **inherent acceptance of deception.** It represents a delicate balance between our perception of reality and what we choose or desire to believe as real. [[Scientific Truth x Independent Replication x Invention]]