This is the age of misinformation. Mainstream media and fact-checkers operate with an agenda. An information overload surrounds facts to hide the truth, or new “truths” are being pushed with narratives. In other situations, misinformation sells better than reality. Companies and government entities promote specific ideas to assist with financial goals. Computer algorithms are driving user interactions on top of all the overload.
The pandemic has been an excellent example of misinformation. A detail that is considered a fact one day can be rebutted and changed months later. Specific points are used to promote political agendas and are discarded when needed. For example, the medical-industrial complex can make unchecked claims that help promote its drugs. This information can go unchallenged until scientists or researchers challenge them. This has happened many times during the COVID-19 pandemic about virus experts’ opinions on medicine in general.
Another example is how misinformation surrounds critical race theory, which some educators and parents say is being distorted by opponents to reverse progress made in diversity. There’s also a lot of misinformation about why CRT needs to exist at all. Given how much we’ve already achieved regarding racial equality, a common misconception among those who don’t understand this topic is that we are fighting something imaginary. Regardless misinformation is deeply at play.
You could almost look at any social issue or any news story and find an element of misinformation. You could break down a concept and try to figure out who is using it to get an emotional reaction or benefit.
In all of this madness, how can we find the truth? Where can we go to find out what is going on? Much of this is psychology; many people want a black and white answer. The reality is many of the truths are not black and white. The fact is the truth is hidden somewhere in the middle. There are lies everywhere, but there is also some truth hidden in the lies.
News, media, and politicians will try to polarize an audience. Many people can be manipulated by emotion. Algorithms will profile an audience and send content that will provoke an emotional reaction. Most of this information is just clutter.
The truth hides in plain sight in many cases. In other cases, the truth is revealed in data, and in other scenarios, the truth is surrounded by so much clutter you may realize there is purposeful distraction around it. It is up to you to sort through all the madness and decide fact from fiction. You need to question sources and interpret motives.
Lastly, go with your gut. Your natural instincts may be your compass to guide you through misinformation.