Post truth 2016 : word of the year
This blog is written as a Sunday Reading task assigned by the head of the department of English (Mkbu), professor and Dr.Dilip Barad sir.here is the link to the professor's blogs for background reading.Click here
In the post truth era , truth becomes a matter of faith,not fact -Ravi agarwal
Understanding the Post-Truth Era: Navigating Facts in a Digital World.
In today's digital world, we are constantly bombarded with news, opinions, updates, and content from countless sources. But how do we know what is real? How do we separate truth from emotion-driven falsehoods? The rise of post-truth has made this challenge even harder. The term "post-truth" refers to situations where emotions and personal beliefs become more influential in shaping public opinion than objective facts. In 2016, the Oxford Dictionaries declared "post-truth" as the Word of the Year, recognizing how this concept had started dominating public conversations globally.
The Meaning of Post-Truth
The term “post-truth” is not about the disappearance of truth. Rather, it highlights a shift in public attitude: truth becomes secondary to emotional appeal and personal belief. In a post-truth culture, facts are ignored if they don’t match one’s feelings, ideology, or group identity. People no longer ask, "Is this true?" but instead, "Does this support what I already believe?"
Role of Digital Platforms and Social Media
Digital platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube have played a major role in spreading misinformation, rumors, and emotionally charged narratives. Influencers, political figures, and even ordinary users often share content without verifying its authenticity. In this environment, a catchy lie spreads faster than a boring truth.
For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, false claims about cures, vaccines, and symptoms spread rapidly on WhatsApp. This led to confusion, panic, and even deaths — all because people believed what felt right, not what was scientifically proven.
Real-Life Examples of Post-Truth Impact
1. Elections and Political Campaigns: In many countries, including India and the USA, fake news and edited videos are used to influence voters. Emotional appeals are often stronger than logical arguments.
2. Communal Tensions: In India, false news about communities or religious groups on WhatsApp and Facebook have triggered riots, hate, and violence — all based on fake, emotionally charged content.
These examples show how post-truth shapes public opinion and can have serious consequences.
My Personal Encounter with Post-Truth
As a student and digital user, I see post-truth behavior almost daily. Whether it’s in WhatsApp family groups or Instagram stories, people often share shocking news without verifying it. Once, someone shared a fake photo of a public figure with a false quote, and many believed it instantly — simply because it confirmed what they already felt. It made me realize how easy it is to fall into a post-truth trap.
Strategies to Fight Post-Truth
Fact-checking: I check websites to verify the information.
Cross-checking sources: I look for multiple reports from trusted sources before believing or sharing anything.
Critical thinking: I ask myself, “Why am I believing this?” and “Is this trying to manipulate my emotions?”
Limiting emotional reactions: I avoid reacting instantly to sensational headlines.
These simple steps help me stay aware and responsible in a digital world full of misleading content.
Why Awareness of Post-Truth is Important
Being aware of post-truth dynamic.Stay informed instead of being misled.Protect democracy by making decisions based on facts.Build a responsible digital culture where truth is valued.
If we ignore post-truth, we risk becoming a society that chooses lies over truth simply because they feel better.
The Need for Critical Thinking and Media Literacy
In this digital age, critical thinking and media literacy are not optional; they are essential skills. Schools and colleges must teach students to analyze news, question sources, and understand media manipulation. People must learn to ask questions, recognize bias, and not trust everything they see online. As users, we must understand that not all information is knowledge, and not all knowledge is truth.
Becoming Responsible Digital Citizens the post-truth era is a challenge but also an opportunity. It is a call to become more responsible, thoughtful, and truth-seeking individuals. We must not become puppets of propaganda or victims of emotionally charged lies. By developing critical thinking, using fact-checking tools, and valuing truth over emotions, we can create a healthier digital space and a more informed society.
Truth matters even when it is uncomfortable. And in the post-truth world, the fight for truth begins with us.
Post-Truth distorts the basic principles of human coexistence, such as the cult of truth
and honesty, favoring misleading and lying behavior in order to promote its own
interests and greed. It is either the truth or it is not. Half-truths do not exist, and neither
does subjective truth. To speak of “my truth” is an assault on reason. Opinions can exist,
and in this sense, every person has every freedom to express their own, and on any
subject. But when dealing with objective facts, such as, for example, the number of
inhabitants in the country, its gross national product, its citizens' level of education, a
company's financial situation, public debt, or the budget deficit, only the objective
reality counts-and there is only one.
