This blog task was assigned by Dilip Barad Sir (Department of English, MKBU)
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"Post-Truth"
(When Emotions Become More Powerful Than Facts)
Introduction:
What Is Post-Truth?
In 2016, the Oxford Dictionary chose “Post-truth” as the Word of the Year. This wasn’t just a new word—it was a reflection of how the world was changing.
Post-truth means a situation where emotions and personal beliefs are more powerful than facts and truth in shaping public opinion. In short, what people feel becomes more important than what is true.
History of the Word "Post-Truth"
The term “post-truth” was first used in the 1990s by American writer Steve Tesich, but it was not popular at that time.
It became widely used around 2016, during two major global events:
1.Brexit referendum in the UK
2.US Presidential Election (Donald Trump’s campaign)
During both events, false information, emotional speeches, and media manipulation played a huge role in influencing people’s opinions.
Why Was It Chosen as Word of the Year in 2016?
The Oxford Dictionary reported that the use of the word increased by 2000% in 2016. This sudden rise showed how important the idea had become. It reflected how:
●Facts were ignored
●Feelings and fear controlled voting decisions
●Fake news became more powerful than reality
The word “post-truth” captured the mood of that year perfectly.
The Role of Social Media in the Post-Truth Era
Social media like Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp became powerful tools for sharing news—but not always true news.
●Why Is Fake News So Powerful?
●Fake news spreads faster than facts.
●Emotional or shocking headlines get more likes and shares.
People live in "echo chambers"—they only see posts that match their opinions.
Example:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, false cures like drinking hot water or consuming cow urine circulated widely. Some people avoided vaccines because of false claims, despite scientific evidence to the contrary.
Post-Truth and Its Impact on Society
1. Truth Becomes Confusing
People don’t know what to believe anymore. Even when facts are proven, many still believe the fake version.
2. Trust Is Broken
Trust in media, government, and science is going down. People say:
“I believe what I feel is right, not what they say is true.”
3. Danger to Democracy
If voters are misinformed, they cannot make good decisions in elections. This is dangerous for democracy.
Post-Truth in the Present Context
Today, in 2025, the world is even more divided between emotion and evidence. Conspiracy theories like QAnon in the U.S., or misinformation during India’s elections, continue to shape public behavior. The post-truth world hasn’t gone away; it has evolved.
However, resistance to post-truth is also growing:
●Fact-checking websites like Alt News, BOOM, and Snopes have gained visibility.
●Platforms like YouTube and Facebook now tag misleading content, though not always effectively.
●Journalists and educators are emphasizing media literacy to help people identify fake news.
Reflection: What Does Post-Truth Mean for Us?
We live in a time when truth is no longer universal—it’s personal, flexible, and easily manipulated. This shift challenges democracy, journalism, and even personal relationships. If everyone believes in their own "truth," how can we solve shared problems like climate change, poverty, or communal violence?
The word post-truth is not just a linguistic trend. It is a mirror of our era. It tells us that we need to pause and ask questions, verify before sharing, and think critically. We need to teach the next generation that emotion is important, but not more important than truth.
The declaration of post-truth as the Word of the Year in 2016 was more than a dictionary update—it was a warning. A society that chooses feeling over fact risks slipping into manipulation, division, and chaos.
To protect the truth, we must all become responsible citizens of the information age. We must not only ask “Is it true?” but also “Who benefits from this narrative?” and “How do I know this?”
Because in a post-truth world, truth is not dead—but it needs defending.
-Chetna Bhaliya
Reference:https://blog.dilipbarad.com/2017/01/post-truth-word-of-year-2016.html?m=1
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