The Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary has announced that the word “authentic” has been chosen as its Word of the Year for 2023. This comes as no surprise, as the dictionary explained that the word has been increasingly searched for in the context of artistic integrity, popular culture, and self-identity. The dictionary’s authors further point out that “authentic” is often linked to notions of self-identity, whether that pertains to national or personal identity. It is also worth noting that as artistic integrity continues to evolve, the line between “authentic” and “creative” is becoming increasingly blurred. As a result, many brands, influential figures in social media, and well-known individuals are striving to embody “authenticity.” Even Elon Musk has advocated for people to be more “authentic” on social media.

Turning our attention to Armenia, there have been some recent developments worth highlighting.