aswirklich

aswirklich is a neologism used in German-language discourse on media theory and philosophy to describe objects, representations, or environments that are crafted to appear as real as possible. The term blends the English word as with the German wirklich (really), signaling a construction aimed at authenticity. It is not an established term in standard dictionaries and is primarily attested in online debates, essays, and critical discussions since the 2010s.

The concept covers CGI characters, deepfakes, virtual influencers, digital twins, and immersive simulations where visual and behavioral realism are emphasized. Aswirklich highlights a perceptual effect—something that seems real—while leaving open its ontological status as artificial or simulated. In practice, aswirklich aesthetics are used in film, advertising, and game design to maximize plausibility and viewer engagement.

In theory, aswirklich relates to discussions of simulacra and hyperreality, focusing attention on how realism is manufactured and perceived. It prompts ethical and practical questions about trust, manipulation, and media literacy, particularly as synthetic media becomes harder to distinguish from authentic footage.

Reception of the term is limited; it remains a niche concept and is not widely adopted in formal scholarship. Proponents use it to describe a specific class of realism, while critics argue that the label can be vague or overlapping with existing terms like verisimilitude or hyperrealism. See also simulacra, hyperreality, virtual reality.