Human intelligence vs. exaggerated untruth

SCIENCE affirms that human intelligence remains the most complex and adaptable force known.

- ANOLENE THANGAVELU PILLAY

It is capable of reasoning, imagining and reflecting to recognise exaggerated untruths and uphold the sanctity of reason beyond mere facts or secondhand stories. Yet even this remarkable intellect can falter when emotion, bias and uncertainty collide.

The human tendency to overstate or understate information has never been more evident than in our tech-driven age, where instant messaging, algorithmic feeds and Al-powered communication dictate the rhythm of conversation. Within seconds, a casual comment can ignite family tension, workplace conflict or social-media outrage.

Stories tend to become exaggerated, expanding with each retelling. They grow not only through technology but also through our innate desire for closure - the comfort of believing we know rather than admitting we do not. Given the remarkable nature of the human mind, why do partial truths seem to echo louder than facts? Why do fragments of truth grow in significance far beyond their substance? Or will distraction and misinformation diminish our greatest power?

The answers lie in the intricate interplay of cognition, emotion and the digital environments that mirror and magnify our human imperfections.