bhaskar saikia

In every era, deception has existed — in politics, commerce, and human interaction. But in our time, deception wears a new face. With the rise of social media, manipulation has evolved into a subtle, almost invisible art — powered not by force, but by selective information, emotional hooks, and algorithmic precision. And in this vast web of digital influence, two kinds of people fall most easily: the ignorant and the confused.

Ignorance is not a flaw; it is simply the absence of knowledge. But in today’s world, ignorance is not about lacking information — it’s about being flooded with too much of it. When truth and falsehood coexist in the same feed, the mind grows weary, unable to tell one from the other. It’s easy, then, to believe what feels comfortable rather than what’s real.

Confusion, on the other hand, comes from contradiction — from hearing too many voices at once. Algorithms amplify this chaos. They feed us what we already like, shaping our beliefs and blinding us to opposing perspectives. Over time, this conditioning creates echo chambers where every post, headline, and video reinforces our biases. We start mistaking familiarity for truth.

This selective exposure is not accidental. It is engineered — a product of platforms designed to capture attention, not deliver accuracy. The more engaged we are, the more valuable we become as data points, and the easier it is to manipulate our thoughts and choices. In such a world, deception doesn’t need to hide; it simply needs to blend in.

The antidote to this lies in awareness. To pause before sharing. To question before believing. To seek out discomforting truths that challenge our certainties. Real wisdom begins not in knowing everything, but in realizing how easily we can be misled.

As social media continues to shape our perceptions, we must remember: information is power, but only when guided by discernment. In the noise of the digital age, clarity is rebellion — and awareness, the only true armor against deception.