This blog is given by the head of the department of english(MKBU), prof. And Dr. Dilip Baradsir. Here is the link of the professor's blog :
First blog title: 'Post-truth: The Word of the Year 2016'
Link: Click here
Second blog title: 'Beware of Histofluencers'
Link: Click here
Introduction:
In today's modern world, The word "post Truth" is becoming more common. This word became very famous in Oxford dictionaries in 2016 and it named it the word of the year. Post-Truth means that people believe in things based on emotional and personal opinions rather than facts. This blog reflects what Post- Truth means and how it affects different parts of our society- especially in india , where false information can easily influence public thinking.
Definition of the word " post- Truth" :
1. Briefly explain the concept of post-truth as discussed in the blog.
Ans. :
The word Post-Truth indicates situations where emotional appeals and personal beliefs matter more than objective facts in shaping public union. The blog "post-Truth: The word of the year 2016" represents how the word " post-Truth" brings a major changes in society where facts or real ideas are ignored.
The idea of "Post-Truth" is represented through examples like Brexit vote and Donald Trump's 2016 U.S. presidential campaign, where emotional appeals had more impact rather than actual facts or data as well as analysis.
The prefix "post" in the word "post-Truth"
Doesn't mean "after" truth, but also suggests a deeper change where truth itself become less important. As discussed in the blog, this era of Post-Truth aligns with Nietzsche's idea that truths are often moral interpretations rather than objective facts.
2. Provide context on why post-truth was chosen as the word of the year in 2016.
Ans. :
The word "Post-Truth" was chosen as the word of the year 2016 beacuse of major political events like Brexit vote and the U.S. presidential election. In these examples, emotional appeals and misleading information are given major importance rather than actual facts or data. As the blog indicates "evidence based facts and analysis " were given less importance that confused voters. Social media plays a vital role because people increasingly encountered news and information that aligned with their beliefs.
This word connects with historical importance because it represents a larger change in how society values truth. In Brexit campaign, many people were influenced by emotional and inaccurate claims, despite evidence suggesting that leaving the European union world have negative consequences. Similarly, Donald Trump's success in the year 2016 U.S. presidential election campaign was driven by strong emotional messaging, even though many of Trump's claims were factually incorrect.
3.Discuss how the post-truth phenomenon affects the way people form opinions today.
Ans. :
In this modern world, people are "manipulated by emotional appeals". They increasingly base their opinions on feelings or emotions rather than facts. Actual information is given less importance. Individuals believe in their personal beliefs rather than real data or information.
In india, digital platforms are responsible to spread fake news or misinformation which affects the life of people. In the blog "Beware of Histofluencers", the role of social media influencers in distorting historical narratives is also represented. These influences present oversimplified versions of history which are then accepted as fact by their followers.
4.Analyze the role of digital platforms like WhatsApp, social media, and influencers in spreading post-truth narratives.
Ans. :
Social media plays an important role to spread fake facts or misinformation which affects to the society. Social media like - WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram as well as Twitter etc. Allow for the rapid spread of misinformation.
This picture shows us how social media plays vital role to spread of lies and fake news in post-Truth era. This picture also shows us that false information becomes popular not because it's true but because people like and share it.
5. Include examples of how misinformation or emotionally charged content has shaped public opinion in recent times.
Ans. :
This picture represents manipulated information is forced into people's minds without their critical thinking. The person receiving the information is not questioning it, showing how in a post-Truth era, people often accept information blindly.
⚫️COVID 19 misinformation:
During the COVID-19 epidemic, a lot of false information was shared on social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube.
For example, some people falsely claimed that the vaccine could cause infertility. These kinds of messages spread very quickly because they caused fear and panic. As a result, many people became hesitant to take the vaccine, which made it harder for health workers to protect the public.
These type of fake messages often spread faster than the truth or real information and it makes difficult to stop the damage.
6. Reflect on how you personally encounter post-truth in your daily digital interactions.
Ans. :
In my daily digital interactions, I come across post-truth content in the form of emotionally charged social media posts, misleading headlines, or viral messages as well as fake news and misinformation that give more importance to personal beliefs over actual facts. For example, platforms like Instagram, facebook, Twitter or WhatsApp, I often see people sharing news without checking if it's true—especially about politics as well as health. These posts often use strong emotions like fear and anger, even if the information isn’t true. It shows how emotions and personal opinions often shape people’s understanding of the truth more than actual evidence or real information does.
7. Discuss strategies you use or plan to use to remain critical of the information you receive online.
Ans. :
In today's post truth world, it is crucial to think more carefully about the information we find online. It is useful way to do this is by checking where the information is coming from. Sources like well known news website educational institutions, usually give more accurate details. It's also a best idea to confirm the same news or facts from different sources to make sure it’s true. It is necessary to cross-check the same news and other platforms. One should not believe emotional and shocking news immediately. It is very best idea to avoid sharing forwarded messages through social media.
In india, digital platforms like Twitter, Facebook and WhatsApp are often used to share false or misleading information. Therefore we should not blindly trust forwarded messages or viral posts. By developing our media skills and thinking more critically, we can understand what is true and avoid being misled in the digital world.
8.Summarize the importance of being aware of post-truth dynamics.
Ans. :
It is very necessary to being aware of post truth dynamics. In a post-Truth world, emotions and personal beliefs often take place over facts. Awareness helps us to identify when we are being influenced by emotions instead of evidence. It becomes easier to spot fake news , propaganda and misleading information on social media. Awareness encourages respectful discussions based on facts rather than shouting matches fueled by emotions and opinions. A well informed public is key to a functioning democracy. Post-truth dynamics can weaken trust in institutions and spread division. In summary, understanding post-truth helps us to stay critical, informed and responsible in a world full of noise and manipulation.
9.Emphasize the need for critical thinking and media literacy in today's digital age.
Ans. :
In today’s digital world, critical thinking is very important. We are exposed to news, opinions and content on social media, websites and other apps. Critical thinking helps us to question what we see instead of accepting it blindly.
False information spreads quickly through social media. Critical thinking helps us to identify trustworthy sources, check facts and understand the fact behind the message.
Many online posts are designed to provoke strong emotions rather than facts. Critical thinking helps us to reflect ans not fall for emotional traps.
In a democracy , informed citizens make better choices. Critical thinking makes people to engage thoughtfully with public issues and manipulation.
In summary, Critical thinking is essential tool to navigate the digital world wisely, protect ourselves from deception and contribute to more truthful and informed society.
Conclusion :
To conclude , we can say that post-Truth has become very famous term in today's digital world. It is related with misleading information over facts or real information. Social media as well as digital platforms play an important role to spread misinformation. Understanding how post-truth works helps us to recognize the dangers of misinformation and false beliefs. Critical thinking is the best skill to empower individuals to think independently and protect from misleading information.
References :
1. Barad, Dilip. “Beware of Histofluencers.” Dilip Barad | Teacher Blog, 17 Nov. 2023 https://blog.dilipbarad.com/2023/11/beware-of-histofluencers.html
2. “Post-truth: The Word of the Year 2016.” Dilip Barad | Teacher Blog, 14 Jan. 2017 , https://blog.dilipbarad.com/2017/01/post-truth-word-of-year-2016.html
3. Oxford Languages. “Word of the Year 2016 - Oxford Dictionaries.” YouTube,16 Nov. 2016,https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xcW7Tg5E34
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