Risks of false information highlighted

International organizations like the United Nations, World Health Organization, and Council of Europe have identified disinformation and misinformation as major threats to societies. These issues manifest in various ways, such as conspiracy theories, fake medical treatments, anti-vaccine beliefs, and political polarization.

Impact on shared reality

Such phenomena weaken the ability of people to agree on a common reality. This erosion of shared facts, beliefs, and reference points is essential for social life and democratic processes. While differing opinions are natural, a shared factual base is crucial for productive discussions.

Need for a regulated cognitive market

Experts suggest the need for a well-regulated "cognitive market," where ideas can be debated based on shared knowledge. When individuals rely on personal sources of information, this shared foundation weakens, making it harder to address collective challenges. The rise of digital platforms has further disrupted this balance.

Historical views on free speech

Classical thinkers like John Milton, John Locke, and John Stuart Mill believed that the free exchange of ideas would lead to truth and reason prevailing. However, in today’s information environment, truth often struggles to compete for attention, as the most reliable information is not always the most popular or widely shared.

Challenges for modern democracies

Democracies face growing challenges from the lack of regulation on major internet platforms and the rise of artificial intelligence. In this context, fostering critical thinking in education has become more important than ever. Critical thinking involves evaluating the quality of information before trusting it, rather than doubting everything outright.