The sheer volume of fake news and misinformation circulating today threatens not only trust in news media but the very fabric of democracy itself. When truth becomes subjective and every claim seems to have an alternative version, people struggle to discern what’s real and what’s fabricated.

This erosion of confidence in credible journalism allows lies to spread faster than facts, feeding cynicism and division.

As people retreat into echo chambers that confirm their biases, public debate becomes polarised, and the shared foundation of truth on which democratic societies depend begins to crumble. Journalists, once trusted to hold power to account, are dismissed as biased or corrupt, while conspiracy theorists and influencers with no accountability gain vast audiences. In such a climate, reasoned discussion gives way to outrage, and manipulation becomes easier for those seeking to sow discord or exploit fear for political gain.

Ultimately, misinformation isn’t just a problem of falsehoods, it’s an attack on the common understanding that democracy requires: informed citizens capable of making fair and rational choices.

Rebuilding that trust means defending the principles of accuracy, transparency, and integrity in public communication, and encouraging people to seek truth rather than comfort in what they choose to believe.

See also: Fighting for Truth Today