The Illusion of Truth: How AI Deceptions Threaten Democracy—and the Fight to Protect Reality

What happens to democracy when we can no longer trust what we see or hear? The Illusion of Truth explores the disruptive power of artificial intelligence in shaping political reality, from deepfake videos and synthetic voices to disinformation campaigns designed to erode public trust.Written in a professional yet accessible style for students and engaged readers, this book unpacks the core problem: how emerging technologies make falsehoods look real, destabilizing elections, weakening institutions, and undermining the shared truths that democracy depends on. But it doesn’t stop there—it also shows the path forward. By examining policy responses, ethical safeguards, and media literacy strategies, it empowers readers to recognize manipulation and defend democratic integrity in a rapidly evolving digital world.This is more than a warning—it is a call to action for a generation that must navigate the future of truth itself.