Your Idea Can Save the Free World
Seriously, we kind of depend on it.
Let’s be blunt: Disinformation is winning. Big time.
Some of the most powerful figures in the world don’t just ignore the truth, they actively work against it. The danger this presents is staggering. For the second year in a row, the World Economic Forum has identified the spread of false information as the greatest immediate risk to humanity — ranking it even above extreme weather events, armed conflicts, and cyber warfare.
Every aspect of society — from democracy and human rights to the economy, public health, and social security — is under existential threat. This is not a drill. If we want to preserve our freedom and dignity, if we want to survive as a species, we need to find new, powerful ways to combat disinformation.
You and your ideas have a vital role to play. Here’s why:
Regulation won’t save us
Problem 1: Many politicians are among the biggest liars themselves, giving them little incentive to combat disinformation.
Problem 2: Dishonest regimes around the world — including formerly democratic nations, such as the U.S. — are actively dismantling the rule of law, further diminishing the chances of a regulatory solution to the problem.
Problem 3: Regulating disinformation is highly sensitive. Authoritarian governments can exploit vague definitions of “propaganda” or “fake news” to censor political opponents and independent media.
Don’t get me wrong — where it is possible to implement sensible regulations, this can be incredibly important and valuable. But we absolutely cannot depend on regulation alone to pull us out of this dangerous downward spiral.
This is where you come in
Because we can’t rely on governments to fix this problem, we need you.
Throughout history, innovations and daring ideas have demonstrated their ability to disrupt world events and significantly influence their outcomes.
Those “up there” won’t save us. The future of humanity depends on your courage, your creativity, your expertise, and your networks. Use them while you still can!
What we need most right now are groundbreaking innovations that draw attention to the truth. What I mean by that? Well… that’s where your brilliant mind comes in.
It could be anything:
An art project that shocks and provokes in public spaces
Innovative viral content that spreads awareness quickly
An app, a browser, or a web plugin that debunks disinformation in real time
A groundbreaking event series for truth-centered dialogue
An AI tool that earns bipartisan trust and relentlessly dismantles falsehoods
Guerrilla marketing that delivers powerful messages in unexpected ways
A movement of nonpartisan truth ambassadors who seek and share accurate information on contentious issues of the day
A viral hashtag campaign that unites voices advocating for honesty and transparency
Immersive experiences that allow users to explore key issues and underlying truths in an engaging, hands-on way
You name it. Get creative!
While long-term approaches like education and capacity building are important, what I’m calling for are bold, innovative solutions that deliver significant impact quickly. The disinformation pandemic is an emergency — and it demands an urgent response.
Some of the skills you’ve gained in life make you an ideal first responder. Find out which! If you need help or inspiration, join forces with others. Whatever it takes, find a way to make the truth impossible to ignore!
We got this!
There is only one path to a future worth living: the path where truth prevails. Challenging times are ahead. But I have unwavering faith that in the end, truth and reason will prevail — if we recognize the power of our actions and use our opportunities wisely.
The fight against disinformation is mine and yours to take on. Waiting for someone else to step in could be a fatal mistake.
The good news is: We don’t need weapons to win an information war. All we need are ideas and the courage to act. I’m right here with you on this mission. Let’s get things moving!
Any spontaneous ideas? Share them with us!
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All of our communication needs to be strong, clear, concise, in sixth-grade words, punchy and demanding action. Most of the words against Trump and his enablers have been in long-form articles and talks, reasoned, often academic or legalistic, entirely fruitless, and boring as hell. Every person we address needs to get the message in a couple of lines, written or spoken, whatever their level of education. We are in the shit because ordinary people are sick to death of being looked down on, losing their old jobs, never getting a raise, living in the wrong place, and knowing they are up shit creek without a paddle.
Trump keeps hitting on these points, and his supporters believe him. He understands them and plays on their prejudices with insults and slogans because he is one of them, fat-gutted in a suit, and a TV star to boot.
Thank you for this excellent article, Pala! Thank you also for the practical ideas. My contribution is combatting disinformation by creating posters with quotes, pictures, and links to various YouTube videos and posting them on various social media platforms. Keep up the good work, Pala!