Why do we believe lies? Rethinking Peacebuilding in the Digital Age

We are presenting a report called “Why do we believe lies? Rethinking Peacebuilding in the Digital Age” elaborated by FalsoTN plataform. 

In an era where information flows faster than ever before, the digital sphere has become both a tool for connection and a weapon for division. This report examines how misinformation and disinformation have evolved into major global threats, shaping perceptions, influencing behaviors, and undermining the very foundations of peace and social trust. Through an interdisciplinary approach-combining insights from psychology, communication studies, and peacebuilding-the study explores how false narratives take root, spread, and impact societies, with a specific focus on the MENA region and Tunisia. 

The findings reveal that misinformation is not simply a technological challenge, but a deeply human one. Cognitive biases such as confirmation bias, emotional contagion, and the framing effect drive people to believe and share misleading information. Digital platforms and algorithmic systems amplify these biases, favoring engagement over accuracy and creating echo chambers that polarize public discourse. In contexts where institutional trust is fragile-as in much of the MENA region-these dynamics become fertile ground for manipulation, eroding civic dialogue and weakening democratic resilience. 

The report underscores the urgent need to integrate media literacy, critical thinking, and digital awareness into peacebuilding strategies. Combating misinformation requires more than content moderation or fact-checking; it demands empowering citizens-especially youth-to recognize manipulation, engage responsibly online, and reclaim digital spaces as instruments for dialogue and cohesion. 

Understanding misinformation is not only about protecting truth; it is about safeguarding the conditions for peace. It requires moving beyond reaction to anticipation-building societies capable of questioning, verifying, and reflecting before division takes root. The next phase of this struggle will be defined by the rise of artificial intelligence, synthetic media, and deepfakes, which will test the very boundaries of perception. Yet these same tools can also be redirected to strengthen truth, transparency, and civic engagement-if governed with ethical intent and collective vigilance. 

You can download the report or the EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Other languages

In French

• FRENCH-EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
• RAPPORT ENTIER

In Arabic

• ARABE-EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
• FULL REPORT