Post-Truth : The word of the year 2016

What is Post-Truth : The word of the year 2016 :  

       The selection of "post-truth" as Word of the Year in 2016 reflected a growing concern about the role of misinformation and the declining influence of factual information in political and social discourse. The term captures the idea that in many discussions, particularly in politics, emotional responses and personal beliefs often carry more weight than verifiable facts. The rise of social media as a news source and a platform for sharing information, combined with a growing distrust of established institutions, contributed to the prominence of "post-truth" as a concept.  

A brief history of Post-Truth : 

        The term "post-truth" was used as early as 1992 by Steve Tesich in an article discussing the Watergate scandal and the Iraq war, suggesting an era where lies were commonplace and facts were hidden. Ralph Keyes' 2004 book, The Post-Truth Era, further developed the concept, arguing that creative manipulation of narratives could be seen as more important than strict adherence to facts. The term gained widespread attention and was named Oxford Dictionaries' Word of the Year in 2016, largely due to its association with the Brexit vote and the US presidential election. In the context of politics, "post-truth" describes a situation where facts are disregarded in favor of emotional appeals and personal opinions. This can be seen in the use of "alternative facts" and the emphasis on emotional connection with voters, rather than factual accuracy, in political campaigns.  

Why was this chosen ? 

"Post-truth" was chosen as the 2016 Word of the Year by Oxford Dictionaries because its usage spiked dramatically in 2016, reflecting a year dominated by highly charged political and social discourse, particularly surrounding the Brexit referendum and the US presidential election. The term, which describes situations where objective facts are less influential than appeals to emotion and personal belief, was seen as capturing the "ethos, mood, or preoccupations" of the year. 

How the Post-Truth phenomenon affects digital platforms :  

1. Amplification of Misinformation:

Digital platforms, with their algorithms designed to maximize engagement, can inadvertently prioritize sensational or emotionally charged content, regardless of its factual accuracy. 

2. Formation of Echo Chambers:

Algorithms on social media platforms often create "echo chambers" by showing users content that aligns with their existing beliefs and preferences.

3. Erosion of Trust in Traditional Institutions:

The post-truth era has seen a decline in trust in traditional sources of information, such as mainstream media and academic institutions.

Digital platforms, with their lack of editorial oversight and the ease with which misinformation can be spread, contribute to this erosion of trust.

The Role of Social Media in the Post-Truth: 

Social media, including platforms like WhatsApp, plays a crucial role in modern marketing, particularly through influencer marketing. 

Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok serve as central locations for content creation, sharing, and consumption. Influencers are individuals with a significant online following who partner with brands to promote products or services. WhatsApp provides a more intimate and direct channel for communication between influencers and their followers. 

Why it matters Today :  

Post-truth politics thrives in a highly polarized environment where individuals are more likely to accept information that confirms their existing views, even if it's false. This can lead to increased social division and make it harder to find common ground on important issues. A healthy democracy relies on informed citizens who can make decisions based on accurate information. If people are exposed to misinformation and distrust information sources, it can undermine their ability to participate meaningfully in democratic processes.  

Reference : 

Barad, Dilip. “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. Accessed 13 July 2025.

Barad, Dilip. “Beware of Histofluencers.” Dilip Barad | Teacher Blog, 17 Nov. 2023, https://blog.dilipbarad.com/2023/11/beware-of-histofluencers.html. Accessed 13 July 2025.