Med deepfake-teknologi kan det skapas manipulerade videor där det produceras falska bilder och ljud som framställs vara verkliga. Deepfake-teknologin förbättras ständigt och det kommer att bli svårare att upptäcka manipulerade videor online. Detta kan innebära att en stor del mediekonsumenter omedvetet exponeras för tekniken när de använder sociala medier. Studiens syfte är att undersöka unga vuxnas medvetenhet, synsätt och påverkan av deepfake videor. Detta eftersom deepfake-teknologin förbättras årligen och problemen med tekniken växer samt kan få negativa konsekvenser i framtiden om den utnyttjas på fel sätt. Insamlingen av det empiriska materialet skedde genom en kvantitativ metod i form av en webbenkät och en kvalitativ metod med tre fokusgrupper. Slutsatsen visade på att det finns ett större antal unga vuxna som inte är medvetna om vad en deepfake video är, dock existerar det en viss oro för deepfake-teknologin och dess utveckling. Det upplevs att det finns risker för framtiden med teknologin i form av hot mot demokratin och politik, spridning av Fake news, video-manipulation samt brist på källkritik. De positiva aspekterna är att tekniken kan användas i sammanhang av humor, inom film- och TV-industrin samt sjukvård. Ytterligare en slutsats är att unga vuxna kommer att vara mer källkritiska till innehåll de exponeras av framöver, dock kommer de med stor sannolikhet ändå att påverkas av deepfake-teknologin i framtiden. / Manipulated videos can be created with deepfake technology, where fake images and sounds are produced and seem to be real. Deepfake technology is constantly improving and it will be more problematic to detect manipulated video online. This may result in a large number of media consumers being unknowingly exposed to deepfake technology while using social media. The purpose of this study is to research young adults' awareness, approach and impact of deepfake videos. The deepfake technology improves annually and more problems occur, which can cause negative consequences in the future if it’s misused. The study is based on a quantitative method in the form of a web survey and a qualitative method with three focus groups. The conclusion shows that there’s a large number of young adults who are not aware of what a deepfake video is, however there’s some concern about deepfake technology and its development. It’s perceived that there can be risks in the future with the technology in terms of threats to democracy and politics, distribution of Fake news, video manipulation and lack of source criticism. The positive aspects are that the technology can be used for entertainment purposes, in the film and television industry also in the healthcare department. Another conclusion is that young adults will be more critical to the content they are exposed to in the future, but likely be affected by deepfake technology either way.

Background: In the topic of marketing, Artificial Intelligence has a tremendous influence on social media. Deepfake technology which is a product of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) is the tool that simplifies the creation of hyper-realistic videos. In general, this technology has been used in identification thefts, pornographic, propaganda, and spreading misinformation. Thus, this study wonders about the possibility of using this technology in marketing. Therefore, this study focuses on Consumer perception connected to concepts such as Consumer attitude, Consumer trust, and Brand authenticity  Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore how customer attitude, consumer trust, and brand authenticity are influenced by deepfake videos to understand consumer perceptions towards deepfake videos.  Methodology: This abductive master’s thesis employed a qualitative approach to collect empirical data. Drawing inspiration from semi-structured interviews, questions were formulated for use in five focus groups comprising a total of 24 participants. Thematic analysis was employed as the research methodology to code and categorize the transcriptions. The data obtained from the focus groups were transcribed and coded using Delvetool.  Findings: Consumer perception on the use of deepfake technology in marketing, noting both opportunities and concerns. While deepfake offers potential for brand expansion and streamlined content creation, its illegal use poses societal risks. Participants expressed mixed feelings about deepfake technology, finding it both impressive and daunting. For marketing, deepfake simplifies content creation but must be used legally and aligned with brand identity. Transparency and credibility are crucial to shaping consumer attitudes and trust, which in turn affect brand authenticity. Misuse of deepfake content can harm brand image and credibility, leading to negative consumer perceptions and behaviors. Ultimately, whether perceived positively or negatively, deepfake use influences consumer behavior, either fostering brand loyalty or eroding trust and advocacy.