The Post-Truth Era:

This blog is written as part of the Sunday Reading task given to us by Professor Dr. Dilip Barad Sir. The purpose of this task is to deepen our engagement with literature and critical thought by reading selected materials and then responding to them through blog writing. This initiative encourages us to build consistent creading habits and sharpen our analytical skills by reflecting on what we’ve read.

Why Facts Matter Less in the Digital Age

What is Post-Truth?

The term "post-truth" refers to a situation where emotions and personal beliefs have more influence on public opinion than objective facts. In a post-truth society, people are more likely to accept information that aligns with their feelings and opinions—even if it's false—than to accept facts that challenge their worldview.

Why Was "Post-Truth" the Word of the Year in 2016?

The Oxford Dictionary selected "post-truth" as the Word of the Year in 2016 due to its heavy usage during political events like Brexit and the U.S. presidential election. Both events witnessed the widespread use of misleading information, emotional appeals, and fake news to manipulate voters, sparking debates about truth in media and politics.

How Post-Truth Affects Public Opinion Today?

In the post-truth era, feelings often override facts. For example, someone might believe a false rumor about a political figure simply because it aligns with their emotional dislike of that person. This makes people vulnerable to manipulation through biased news, memes, and viral misinformation.

Role of Digital Platforms in Spreading Post-Truth

Platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube play a massive role in spreading post-truth narratives. Here's how:

▪️WhatsApp: Forwarded messages without verified sources often spread fake news, especially during elections or communal tensions.

▪️Social Media Influencers: Some promote unverified claims for engagement, often influencing millions.

▪️YouTube & Facebook Videos: Algorithms promote emotionally engaging content over factual accuracy, leading to echo chambers.

▪️AI & Deepfakes: Emerging technologies now make it easier to create realistic-looking false content.

Personal Reflection: My Encounter with Post-Truth

Like many, As a student who use WhatsApp and Instagram daily that make big claims with no evidence. In the past, I’ve believed or shared some without verifying—especially if they matched what I already thought. But I now try to pause, fact-check, and think critically before believing or sharing.

Examples of Misinformation in Recent Times

1. COVID-19 Myths: Claims like "drinking hot water kills the virus" spread rapidly despite scientific denial.

2. Fake Election News: During the 2020 U.S. elections, false claims about voting fraud were widely circulated.

3. Communal Rumors in India: Videos or posts falsely accusing certain communities have triggered violence.

Why It's Important to Be Aware

▪️Being aware of post-truth dynamics helps us:

▪️Protect ourselves from manipulation.

▪️Promote truthful conversations in society.

▪️Avoid spreading harmful content unknowingly.

▪️Become responsible digital citizens.

Strategies to Stay Critical Online

▪️To avoid falling into the post-truth             trap, I use these methods:

▪️Fact-check with trusted websites like       Alt News, Boom Live, or FactCheck.org.

▪️Ask: Who created this? What is their         motive?

▪️Check for sources and evidence.

▪️Discuss with others and stay open to         correction.

The Need for Critical Thinking and Media Literacy

In the digital age, media literacy is as essential as reading and writing. We need to teach ourselves and others how to:

▪️Think critically

▪️Recognize emotional manipulation

▪️Identify credible sources

▪️Detect bias and misinformation.

▪️Critical thinking is the vaccine                   against  post-truth.

Conclusion:

The rise of post-truth marks a turning point in how we consume and respond to information. In today's digital world, where facts can easily be overshadowed by emotions and misinformation, it is more important than ever to stay informed, alert, and critical. Understanding the impact of post-truth helps us recognize the dangers of blindly trusting unverified content, especially on social media and messaging platforms.

To combat the effects of post-truth, we must develop media literacy, practice critical thinking, and actively verify sources before forming or sharing opinions. By doing so, we can help create a more thoughtful, truthful, and responsible online environment.

In the end, protecting truth is not just the responsibility of journalists or educators—it’s a responsibility we all share as digital citizens.

Reference:

Professor dilip barad's blog 

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                  Khushi parmar, MA English,                      Department of English, MKBU,                    Bhavnagar.