In the contemporary world, humanity faces a multitude of crises that seem to converge all at once. Climate change threatens ecosystems and livelihoods. Pandemics highlight the fragility of global health systems. Wars and terrorism continue to displace millions, while widening inequality leaves entire populations struggling with economic despair. Yet, despite these formidable challenges, a recent Pew Research Center survey revealed that adults across 25 countries identify the spread of false information online as the top threat to their societies. At first glance, this seems almost counterintuitive. Why should disinformation be regarded as more dangerous than poverty, pandemics, or environmental collapse? The answer lies not in a denial of other dangers but in the recognition that false information corrodes the very foundation upon which effective responses to all other crises must be built.

Unlike pandemics, climate disasters, or recessions, false information is not an external shock that arrives suddenly. It is a constant, pervasive force that seeps into daily life, shaping perceptions and decisions in ways that are often invisible. Most people today are more educated and more technologically connected than in past generations. With that awareness comes a deeper recognition of how disinformation works: exploiting biases, appealing to emotions, and manipulating perceptions to alter reality itself.

The rise of the internet and social media has amplified these effects to unprecedented levels. What was once rumor or gossip confined to small circles can now, with a single post, reach millions within minutes. Moreover, anonymity, automated bots, and sophisticated digital manipulation provide cover for perpetrators – from opportunistic scammers to hostile foreign governments attempting to skew elections or destabilize societies. In an age where every click is tracked, every preference recorded, and every interaction analyzed, individuals know that the information they consume is often tailored to influence them. That awareness breeds........

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