Consider one or two foundational communication theories covered in this course so far. Then discuss how communication professionals need to adapt their strategies and practices in response to the rise of deepfakes to meet evolving business needs, such as maintaining brand trust, managing misinformation crises, and ensuring ethical communication. Provide specific examples of how these theories inform these adaptations. Also, in your post, include ethical insights from the module$$s resources.

In your initial post, address the following questions:

How can individuals and society develop the critical thinking and verification skills necessary to distinguish between real and AI$-$generated content in an era of digital misinformation?

What ethical responsibilities do tech companies and policymakers have in regulating AI$-$generated content to prevent misinformation and protect public trust?

How might the widespread use of deepfakes and AI$-$generated media impact democracy, journalism, and public discourse in the future?