Introduction
We live in an age of information overload. Billions of bytes of data are created every second, as we rapidly disseminate news stories, update our social media feeds, publish new books or academic research, and share images and videos of events happening in every corner of the globe.
But how do we know what information to trust and where should we go to find the truth?
In a world where we have so many answers available at our fingertips, how can we tell which sources to turn to for accurate information or impartial insights? And how do we develop the skills to distinguish between fact and fiction? Is there one objective truth, or multiple versions of truth, all taking a different perspective on the same event? Are truths permanent and immutable, or do they evolve over time?
These are questions philosophers and theologians have contended with for millennia, with no sign of reaching consensus. There are no absolute answers, and in writing this report, we did not set out to provide them.
After a period in which the transmission and interpretation of information has been in the spotlight, and questions about misinformation and disinformation more prevalent than ever before, we felt there would be value in exploring the current state of truth.
No organization or individual can claim to ‘own’ the truth. However, the academic, education, and publishing communities have a vital role to play in helping people to think critically about the world around them. We can provide access to high-quality resources that encourage debate and give people the tools necessary to examine ideas and information thoroughly, not just at face value.
A global picture
Drawing on insights from a survey of 5,000 people across the UK, US, India, South Africa, and Mexico, as well as the views of academics, journalists, and educators, we wanted to explore questions such as: how do attitudes shift based on geography, cultural identity, age, or educational background? And how do concerns around trust and veracity differ across the world?
Equally, how has the rise of search engines and social media impacted on the sources people rely on to inform their thinking? How much do we believe and trust insights from teachers, friends, or family? Do people still place value in more traditional reference resources, like books and encyclopedias, compared to what they read online?
There is no doubt that we have more ways than ever to procure information, but perhaps less certainty or confidence about its quality.
Our findings show the complexity of this picture across the world. Exploring how we perceive truth—and understanding the issues and questions we will inevitably need to address in the coming years—will become increasingly important as we look towards a new reality.