Fact check: Is modern human society built on a pillar of lies

1. Summary of the results

The claim that modern human society is built on a pillar of lies is a complex and multifaceted issue, with various analyses providing different perspectives on the matter. Some sources suggest that the spread of misinformation and disinformation, fueled by factors such as partisan actors, financial gain, and technological advances, can contribute to the idea that society is built on lies ^[1]. Others highlight the importance of journalism in promoting truth and combating misinformation, which is relevant to the concept of a society built on lies ^[2]. Additionally, research on fake news, misinformation, and their impact on society provides insights into how misinformation can spread and the challenges of identifying and combating it, which is related to the concept of a society built on lies ^[3]. The psychological factors that contribute to the spread of misinformation, including personal identity, social norms, novelty, and strong emotions, can also be seen as a pillar that supports the claim that modern human society is built on lies ^[4]. However, other sources do not directly support or contradict the claim, but instead provide insight into how social norms are formed and maintained, which could be relevant to understanding the complexities of human society ^[5].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

A key aspect missing from the original statement is the definition of what constitutes a "pillar of lies". Different sources may have varying interpretations of this phrase, which could lead to different conclusions about the validity of the claim. For example, some sources may view the spread of misinformation as a pillar of lies, while others may see it as a symptom of a larger issue ^[1]. Additionally, the role of social norms in shaping individual behavior is an important context that is not fully explored in the original statement ^[6]. Alternative viewpoints, such as the idea that social norms can be influenced by factors such as culture, education, and economic conditions, are also not fully considered ^[6]. The impact of technological advances on the spread of misinformation is another important context that is not fully explored in the original statement ^[7]. Furthermore, the importance of critical thinking and media literacy in combating misinformation is a crucial aspect that is not fully considered in the original statement ^[2].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be biased towards a pessimistic view of modern human society, implying that society is inherently built on lies and deception. However, this perspective may not be entirely accurate, as it does not take into account the many efforts being made to promote truth and combat misinformation ^[2]. Additionally, the statement may be misleading in its simplification of a complex issue, as the spread of misinformation is a multifaceted problem that cannot be reduced to a single cause or solution ^[1]. The sources that highlight the psychological factors that contribute to the spread of misinformation may be seen as benefiting from a focus on individual-level solutions, rather than addressing the broader societal and structural issues that contribute to the problem ^[4]. On the other hand, the sources that emphasize the importance of journalism in promoting truth may be seen as benefiting from a focus on the role of institutions in shaping public discourse, rather than addressing the individual-level factors that contribute to the spread of misinformation ^[2].