The danger of disinformation in an increasingly tumultuous world

Electoral rhetoric has been reshaped for voters used to scrolling through social media. As posturing populism replaces considered contests, there is a lack of global leadership, not least in the US.

The danger of disinformation in an increasingly tumultuous world

Today’s headlines are bleak.

Years from now, when we look back on these times, will it be remembered as a nightmarish period or will we be living in even more difficult times and look at the past with a sense of nostalgia?

The signs are increasingly worrying, and catastrophe seems to be a possibility. Today's world is marred by conflicts, authoritarianism, poverty, famine, and widespread devastation across social, economic, and cultural spheres, drawing humanity ever closer to a seemingly bottomless abyss.

Yemen offers a key example of just how strange our world has become. The need to form an international coalition – spearheaded by the United States, the wealthiest and strongest nation – to confront a militia controlling a mere third of one of the world's poorest countries shows the ridiculousness of our times.

There is a vacuum in global leadership, which has traditionally been the responsibility of Western nations — especially the US. But now, distracted internationally by wars in Gaza and Ukraine and domestically by the rise of populism and economic crises, countries once celebrated for their political wisdom no longer inspire.

The current state of the world and the forces that are steering it on this dangerous course call for deep soul-searching.

Treacherous currents of disinformation are being propagated across various social media platforms by numerous dubious populist champions and politicians. Navigating them has become a Herculean task.

Misinformation and sensationalism

Turning inward to the US, the televised Republican candidate debates were equally disappointing. Both the tone and substance of the debate lacked any real substance, focusing on sensationalism instead of putting forth sound and well-thought-out policies.

This same sensationalism can also be seen in other election campaigns, not only in the West but around the world.

India – ostensibly on the path to success both domestically and internationally – has resorted to fuelling sectarian discord to forge a new national unity.

In Israel, self-proclaimed as "the only democracy in the Middle East," political discourse evolved into open calls for the elimination of all Palestinians in Gaza and potentially others in the Occupied West Bank.

Against this backdrop, visions of a bright future, with promises of stability and growth, appear remote or unlikely, peddled by those with ulterior motives.

Treacherous currents of disinformation are being propagated across various social media platforms by numerous dubious populist champions and politicians. Navigating them has become a Herculean task.

These worrisome political trends are magnified on social media. Users are confronted with a barrage of different views, ideas and opinions, making meaningful understanding more difficult.

Disinformation can shape beliefs. Unravelling and verifying the truth has become increasingly challenging.

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