Part 6/15:
This access gap to reliable information draws a sobering comparison to George Orwell’s 1984. Orwell’s depiction of a society where truth is constantly manipulated and citizens are disoriented—"We were always at war with East Asia"—resonates today. Propaganda and government narratives distort the public’s understanding of international conflicts, an issue that has worsened post-2020 with the pandemic, political upheaval, and media suppression.
The author laments that in the digital age, trusted sources of truth are scarce, and the internet—a supposed fountain of knowledge—is itself heavily manipulated and censored. This environment fosters confusion and prevents the public from recognizing or responding appropriately to escalating crises.