When Truth Becomes Optional

In today’s world, where we have access to so much information at our fingertips, it’s sad to admit that finding the truth has become harder than ever. The internet, which was once seen as a tool for freedom and knowledge, has now become a battlefield of opinions, half-truths, and outright lies. With so much propaganda flying around, it’s getting more difficult to tell the difference between real news and fake news.

Every day, we come across headlines that look convincing but are either twisted or completely made up. Sometimes, even the most trusted news platforms can carry stories that are influenced by hidden interests. It’s not always easy to know who is telling the truth anymore. What’s even more worrying is that some government agencies are not just allowing this confusion, they are contributing to it. When a government can force a journalist to reveal their sources or manipulate them through pressure or rewards, it’s a danger to free speech and democracy.

We often hear people defend powerful leaders by saying they are doing what they do because they love their country. But when that love leads to silencing the press, rewriting facts, or creating division through biased stories, it’s no longer patriotism; it’s control. In such cases, journalists who should be the voice of the people and the watchdogs of democracy end up being silenced or paid off. This doesn’t just hurt journalism; it hurts society.

People now tend to follow voices that confirm what they already believe. Instead of seeking truth, they look for comfort. If something challenges their thinking, they reject it without even considering the facts. This behaviour makes it easier for fake news to spread and harder for truth to survive.

It’s easy to blame social media or politicians, but the first step toward change is to question our own biases. Are we sharing stories because they’re true or because they support our views? Are we listening to both sides, or only to the side we agree with?

True journalism should be about truth, not power or profit. But as long as governments can control the press and people keep ignoring the signs, the future of honest reporting remains in danger. To protect freedom and democracy, we must all become smarter readers, careful listeners, and bold questioners. That might just be the first step toward rebuilding trust.