By Aiman Wajid
“This is the age where lies run faster than truth—and often win. One fake post, one edited video, and one sensational caption—this is all it takes to defame someone, ruin a life, or mislead an entire society. Social media, once a tool for freedom of expression, has now often become a battlefield for falsehoods. We are quick to share—but slow to think. Sometimes, we don’t even think at all.”
Social media has undoubtedly connected the world in ways never imagined before. It allows us to stay updated every second, share our thoughts freely, and raise our voices against injustices. But sadly, this same platform, which could have been a means of truth and awareness, is now being misused at an alarming scale to spread fake news, baseless rumors, and false accusations. Instead of benefiting society, it is often harming it. The biggest tragedy is that lies travel faster than truth—false content quickly becomes viral, while the truth struggles to reach people. Without verification, many believe and spread such information, leading to irreversible damage.
Every day, edited videos, distorted images, and fabricated captions flood our timelines. Without even a moment’s pause to fact-check, people hit the “share” button, unknowingly becoming part of a dangerous cycle. This unverified content spreads like wildfire—causing confusion, panic, and often violence. Those who share it rarely stop to think about the consequences: Whose life will be affected? Whose honor will be destroyed? How will this harm society?
History provides us with painful examples. In 2023, in the Punjab city of Jaranwala, two Christian brothers were falsely accused of blasphemy. A single false claim on social media spread within hours. Mobs gathered, anger flared, and before any investigation could take place, 21 churches were burned and dozens of homes destroyed. Later, authorities confirmed the allegations were completely baseless. But by then, the damage was done. No amount of apology could rebuild the lives that had been shattered.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, social media was flooded with false claims that vaccines were deadly, that hospitals were killing patients, or that the entire pandemic was a conspiracy. Many refused to get vaccinated, believing these rumors. The result was catastrophic—countless preventable deaths and an overburdened healthcare system. This is the dangerous power of misinformation: it can turn people away from life-saving actions and push them towards harm.
Even in day-to-day matters, falsehoods dominate. Politicians are targeted with fake scandals, celebrities are defamed with edited clips, and ordinary people find their personal lives destroyed by fabricated stories. A single lie can ruin a reputation built over decades.
The truth, unfortunately, is slow and quiet. It does not scream or trend instantly. Investigations take time, and reliable journalism requires patience. But in a world addicted to speed and sensationalism, people prefer quick gossip over verified facts. Many have replaced trustworthy newspapers and credible journalists with random social media posts and anonymous accounts. This habit is eating away at the foundation of our society.
We must ask ourselves: Is our curiosity worth more than someone’s life? Is the thrill of being “first to share” worth destroying a person’s honor?
The solution is in our hands. Before sharing anything, we must verify it from credible sources—respected newspapers, established media outlets, or official statements. There are fact-checking platforms like “Soch Fact Check” and “Fact Focus” that can help confirm whether something is true or false. Schools and universities must teach media literacy, so that the next generation grows up with the ability to think critically, question information, and resist the temptation to forward unverified content.
Parents should also play their part by guiding their children on how to use social media responsibly. Conversations about truth, ethics, and verification should happen at home as much as in classrooms.
Strict action must be taken against those who deliberately spread fake news. Their accounts should be banned, legal penalties imposed, and their false claims publicly exposed so others think twice before repeating the same crime. At the same time, government institutions should establish rapid-response fact-checking teams to immediately debunk viral falsehoods and broadcast the truth.
The public, too, has a moral duty. It is not enough to avoid spreading lies—we must actively counter them. If we see a fake post, we should report it, comment with verified facts, and make others aware. Silence in the face of lies only strengthens them.
We must understand that lies are not just words on a screen—they are weapons. They assassinate character, break relationships, create chaos, and sometimes even take lives. And tomorrow, when a lie is spread about us, we may find no one willing to defend us—because we failed to defend others when it mattered. So before hitting that “share” button, pause. Ask yourself: Is this true? Have I verified it? What will happen if this is false? Our conscience should be the first filter for information. The fight against misinformation is not just about protecting truth—it’s about protecting humanity itself. Because if truth remains silent for too long, lies will become history. And once a lie is accepted as history, even the loudest truth cannot erase it.
The writer is the student of Communication and Media Studies department at Fatima Jinnah Women’s University Rawalpindi, Pakistan.