It is evident that many of the conflicts in our world have been fueled by a web of falsehoods, misinformation, and propaganda. Propaganda, defined as biased or misleading information aimed at promoting a specific political agenda, has played a significant role in major global conflicts such as World War I and II. Hitler's rise to power was greatly influenced by the biased narrative he propagated.
While propaganda was disseminated through newspapers, printers, and posters during those times, the advent of technology has exponentially increased its reach. Nowadays, anyone can spread any information, true or false, to thousands or even millions of people within seconds. Shockingly, fake news spreads six times faster than the truth, akin to accelerating from 25 MPH to 150 MPH in a car.
In our modern era, propaganda has evolved into misinformation, disinformation, and confirmation bias. Individuals who already believe in a falsehood can find validation from like-minded individuals on the internet, perpetuating the spread of falsehoods. This is evident in the anti-vaccine movement, where measles cases have surged due to declining vaccination rates.
Enter the concept of trolls. Technologically skilled individuals adept at creating fake news, trolls possess the ability to manipulate images and videos, generate viral content, and manipulate algorithms to spread their falsehoods. They remind me of demons assigned by fallen angels to spread spiritual misinformation, much like Satan's centuries-old manipulation of information. The internet has undoubtedly aided the Devil in achieving his agenda of deceiving the world.
As Christians, what should we do amidst this era of widespread deception? We must love and seek the truth. Jesus proclaimed Himself as the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and in these times of heightened deception, we must turn to Him for guidance, revelations, and reliable information. He will lead us to the sources of truth.
Looking at the United States as an example, we observe the rampant use of propaganda, misinformation, and disinformation by the far right. Our democracy is at risk, and we find ourselves in a hybrid state, resembling an autocracy or "anocracy" rather than a true democracy. Such conditions have led nations into civil wars, underscoring the urgency of seeking refuge elsewhere.
Our ultimate goal is to stay alive so that we may witness the return of Jesus with our own eyes. In a world plagued by deception and misinformation, it is crucial to prioritize our spiritual well-being and hold fast to the truth.