wilsonsworld

By: Luke Wilson

How Social Media has completely ruined our concept truth.

Did you know that over 60% of people have trouble telling the difference between real news and fake news online? It makes you wonder—how much of what we see on social media is real, and how much of it is fabricated?

Social media has changed how we see ourselves and the world. But as these platforms get bigger, it gets harder to tell what’s true and what’s not. Fake news spreads faster than ever, and curated online lives make us question what’s real. It’s more important than ever to figure out where the line is between truth and lies. These days, what we see online can feel more real than our actual lives.

I will be arguing that false realities on social media make it difficult to distinguish between what’s authentic and what’s a carefully crafted version of the truth, challenging the distinction between fact and fiction. 

Fake news has become a big problem in today’s world. Social media platforms make it easy for false stories to go viral, often spreading faster than real news. People believe and share fake news because of bias, emotional appeal, or simply not fact-checking.

Algorithms amplify this by pushing content, users are likely to engage with, whether it’s true or not. We watched how algorithms take your interests and further fuel them. This has led to confusion, mistrust in institutions, and real-world harm, like division during elections or panic in health crises. The challenge now is finding ways to stop harmful misinformation while protecting free speech.

In Çiçek Coşkun’s article, The Illusion of Flawless Life on Social Media: Vlogs and Real Life, he goes into how social media warps reality, making it tough to know what’s real. A 2016 study cited by Coşkun found that only 18% of men and 19% of women felt their Facebook profiles reflected their true selves. Additionally, many influencers admit feeling lonely and stressed, as their curated online personas often clash with their real lives. This reveals how social media fosters illusions and distorts the line between truth and fiction.

 In a separate article, Propaganda of Truth: Exploring the Illusion and Fragmentation of Democracy through Social Media Users’ Consumption of Political Propaganda, Pablo Riquelme discusses the ease with which false information spreads online. He highlights that users often believe content on social media without questioning it, creating false assumptions. Riquelme states, “The big issue with user experience on social media is the ease with which users accept content uncritically.” This uncritical acceptance of fake information can turn social platforms into chaotic spaces, reinforcing how social media blurs the distinction between truth and fabrication.

Additionally, Kai Shu and her colleagues explore a different perspective of misinformation in their article, Fake News Detection on Social Media: A Data Mining Perspective. They looked into how social bots and trolls actively spread fake news, such as during the 2016 U.S. presidential election, when 19 million bot accounts posted misleading content in support of political candidates. Trolls, driven by the desire to provoke emotional responses, further amplify these false narratives. This demonstrates how social media enables false realities to grow, making it increasingly difficult to discern fact from fiction.

These articles provide a clear picture of how social media creates false realities, making it difficult to distinguish between authenticity and fabrication. Çiçek Coşkun’s article reveals how social media influencers and users present carefully curated personas that often don’t match their real lives, leading to a distorted sense of reality. The 2016 study states, showing that only a small percentage of people feel their Facebook profiles reflect their true selves.  Pablo Riquelme’s work adds that users often accept content without questioning its validity, allowing misinformation to spread easily and creating chaotic online spaces. Additionally, Kai Shu and his colleagues highlight how social bots and trolls spread fake news, further complicating the line between truth and falsehood. Together, these sources demonstrate how social media blurs the distinction between reality and illusion, making it harder for individuals to differentiate fact from fiction.

Conflictingly, some people say social media isn’t really the problem—it’s how people use it. They argue that it’s up to us to think critically about what we see and share online. Social media can actually help by giving us lots of different viewpoints and more access to information. If people learned how to spot fake content better, they wouldn’t get tricked as easily. In this view, social media is just a tool, and it’s our responsibility to use it the right way.

However, while critical thinking is important, the real issue lies in how social media platforms are designed. As stated before, these algorithms prioritize content that will grab our attention, making it easier for misinformation to spread, even if users are trying to be careful. The sheer volume of information and tactics used by bots and trolls overwhelm people’s ability to distinguish fact from fiction. So, social media isn’t just a neutral tool; it actively shapes what we see, making it harder to spot fake content.

As we watched in The Social Dilemma, social media uses algorithmic manipulation, echo chambers, spread of misinformation, impact of “likes”, and data exploitation, to get your attention and keep you engaged, whether they show you authentic or fake news, they only care to get you involved. It’s explained that social media tracks every like, comment, and share to figure out what keeps you interested. Once it knows, it keeps showing you similar posts, even if those posts are fake or misleading. The platforms don’t care about the truth—they care about getting your attention. So, the more you like or comment on certain types of content, the more you’ll like it, which can make it harder to tell what’s real. This constant cycle of similar content makes it challenging to distort information shown to us.

All in all, Social Media has completely ruined our concept of truth.

Works Cited

Coşkun, Çiçek. “The Illusion of Flawless Life on Social Media: Vlogs and Real Life.” Uluslararası Sosyal Bilimler Akademi Dergisi, vol. 2, no. 4, 2021, pp. 145–159, doi:10.47994/usbad.898518. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024.

Riquelme, Pablo. Propaganda of Truth: Exploring the Illusion and Fragmentation of Democracy through Social Media Users’ Consumption of Political Propaganda. Spring 2017, www.static1.squarespace.com/static/5865752ff5e231720794e310/t/59809d5f6a49631442c8cc3e/1501601121556/Pablo_Riquelme_Propaganda+of+Truth+Exploring_Graphic_Design_Spring2017.pdf. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024.

Shu, Kai, et al. “Fake News Detection on Social Media: A Data Mining Perspective.” Proceedings of the 23rd ACM SIGKDD International Conference on Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining, 2017, doi:10.1145/3137597.3137600. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024.

The Social Dilemma, directed by Jeff Orlowski, Exposure Labs, 2020, Netflix, netflix.com/title/81254224

Superman’s double life—Clark Kent as the journalist and Superman as the l hero—is one of the most famous examples of dual identity in fiction. It’s not just a clever disguise; it’s what makes his story so compelling and meaningful.

Why Superman Has Two Identities

Clark Kent isn’t just a mask; it’s who Superman grew up as. Raised by human parents in Smallville, he learned human values like kindness and responsibility. Clark lets Superman live a normal life, connecting him to the world he protects. Without Clark, Superman would just be a superpowered alien flying around, distant from humanity. Being Clark keeps him grounded.

The Balance of Power and Humility

As Superman, he can fly, lift mountains, and save the world. But as Clark, he’s a shy, clumsy guy who gets nervous talking to Lois Lane. This shows that even someone as powerful as Superman isn’t invincible in every way. Clark represents his vulnerability and his choice to live a simple life when he could easily dominate.

A Symbol for Outsiders

Superman’s story is also about being an outsider. He’s from Krypton, but he lives on Earth and tries to fit in. His Clark Kent identity shows his effort to belong, making him relatable to anyone who’s felt like they don’t fit. It’s a reminder that being different doesn’t mean you can’t be part of something bigger.

Clark’s Heroism Without Powers

What’s cool about Clark Kent is that he doesn’t need powers to fight for justice. As a journalist, he works to uncover the truth and help people in everyday ways. This shows that heroism isn’t just about big battles or flashy rescues—it’s also about small, meaningful actions.

What It All Means

Superman’s double identity teaches us that being a hero isn’t just about superpowers. It’s about staying connected to humanity, staying humble, and using your abilities—big or small—to make the world better. Clark Kent and Superman aren’t opposites; they’re two sides of the same person, and both are equally important.

“The Social Network “, directed by David Fincher in 2010, tells the story of how Mark Zuckerberg created Facebook and became a billionaire. The film shows how Zuckerberg, played by Jesse Eisenberg, has two different sides to his personality: the driven businessman everyone sees and the lonely, insecure person underneath. This conflict between his public and private selves plays a big part in the story.

Zuckerberg’s public identity is that of a smart, determined entrepreneur. He is always focused on making Facebook bigger and better, even if it means hurting others along the way. He pushes people away, including his friends, because he cares more about success than relationships. On the other hand, his private identity is much more vulnerable. He’s shown as awkward and uncomfortable in social situations, struggling with loneliness. He can’t connect with people, especially in his personal life. His relationship with his ex-girlfriend and his friendship with Eduardo show how much he craves validation but doesn’t know how to make real connections.

This double identity shows how Zuckerberg is torn between wanting to succeed at all costs and needing emotional connection. His focus on achieving success makes him cold and distant, but deep down, he’s just a person looking for validation. His drive leads to broken friendships and a sense of emptiness.The Social Network makes us think about what success really costs. Zuckerberg’s story shows how ambition, when it ignores personal needs, can leave people feeling disconnected. The film shows how focusing only on public success can cause emotional damage and create a split between who you are and who others think you are.

For those who have watched the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Tony Stark plays a prominent throughout the multiple series he’s apart of. As Iron Man, Stark’s double identity is not just a plot device but a profound exploration of character and responsibility.

The Man Behind the Mask

Tony Stark, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr., is introduced as a genius inventor and the CEO of Stark Industries. His life is a whirlwind of technological innovation, luxury, and a touch of recklessness. However, beneath the surface of this billionaire playboy lies a man grappling with his own vulnerabilities and the legacy of his family’s business.

The Birth of Iron Man

The transformation from Tony Stark to Iron Man begins in a cave in Afghanistan, where Stark is held captive by terrorists. Showing his knowledge and intellect he builds the first Iron Man suit to escape. This pivotal moment marks the birth of his alter ego, Iron Man, a symbol of his newfound “purpose” and responsibility.

Balancing Identities

Unlike many superheroes who keep their identities secret, Tony Stark famously declares, “I am Iron Man,” at the end of the first film. This bold move blurs the lines between his personal and superhero lives, creating a unique dynamic. Stark’s public persona as Iron Man brings both adoration and scrutiny, forcing him to navigate the complexities of fame and heroism.

The Burden of Genius

Stark’s double identity is further complicated by his internal struggles. His genius is both a gift and a curse, driving him to constantly innovate while also leading to moments of profound self-doubt and anxiety. The creation of Ultron, an AI intended to protect the world, spirals into a catastrophic threat, highlighting the unintended consequences of his actions.

Legacy and Sacrifice

Stark’s journey is one of redemption and growth. His dual identity culminates in “Avengers: Endgame,” where he makes the ultimate sacrifice to save the universe. This act of selflessness cements his legacy as a hero who transcended his flaws and embraced his role as Iron Man.

“Fight Club” is not just a movie; it’s a story that makes us think about who we are, the things we buy, and how we fight against the rules. At the center of it all is Tyler Durden, played by Brad Pitt. What makes Tyler such a cool character is that he’s actually two people in one, and that says a lot about identity.

The Creation of Tyler Durden
To understand Tyler, we have to first look at the main character, known as the Narrator (played by Edward Norton). The Narrator is an insomniac who feels stuck in his boring life, trapped in a dull job, and obsessed with buying things. He’s unhappy with his life, and this frustration creates Tyler Durden—an alter ego who is everything the Narrator wishes he could be: confident, rebellious, and free.

The Two Sides

Tyler Durden shows us the Narrator’s hidden desires and rebellious side. Through Tyler, the Narrator breaks away from the rules, starts an underground fight club, and eventually forms Project Mayhem, a group against society’s norms. Tyler is fearless, cool, and doesn’t care about what society thinks. The Narrator, on the other hand, is more careful, quiet, and afraid of chaos.

This shows the conflict within the Narrator: he wants to fit in but also wants to break free. Tyler acts out the Narrator’s wildest, most secret thoughts, making the Narrator feel powerful and in control. The fight club gives men a place to let out their anger and feel like they are reclaiming their masculinity, something society takes away from them.

The Psychological Breakdown
As the story goes on, the line between the Narrator and Tyler gets fuzzy. In a big twist, we find out that Tyler Durden is just a part of the Narrator’s imagination. This changes how we see the whole movie, making us think about what’s real and how fragile the mind can be.

Tyler’s existence shows the dangers of uncontrolled anger and how far people can go when they don’t know who they really are. While Tyler helps the Narrator escape his boring life, his methods become more violent and destructive. The story ends with a battle between the two identities. The Narrator’s attempt to “kill” Tyler represents his fight to regain control of his own life.

By confronting and defeating Tyler, the Narrator takes back control and finds a sense of peace. Tyler, despite his flaws, shows us that sometimes the biggest battle is the one we fight within ourselves.

Conclusion
Tyler Durden’s double identity helps the story dive into themes of self-discovery, rebellion, and the struggle within ourselves. “Fight Club” makes us think about the different faces we show to the world and the parts of ourselves we might not fully know. Tyler Durden reminds us of the chaos inside us and the need to face our inner struggles to find out who we really are.

Walter White’s alter ego, Heisenberg, is not just a secret life—it’s a darker identity that gradually takes over his entire existence. Heisenberg is Walter White’s street name (what he is known by other drug dealers and lord), it reveals a double identity and emerges a side of Walter that contrast his normal family behavior. Early on, Walter presents himself as a desperate man trying to provide for his family, but as Heisenberg emerges, his actions become increasingly cruel and calculated. A prime example is when he poisons Brock, a young child, to manipulate Jesse, his partner for cooking and selling the drugs, into siding with him. This isn’t the behavior of a man driven by necessity—it’s the cold, strategic thinking of someone who values control over compassion. Heisenberg’s presence strips away Walter’s former morality, and his decisions become not about survival, but dominance.

Walter’s transformation into Heisenberg makes him distant and unapproachable, even to his family. His relationship with Skyler, his wife, deteriorates as he manipulates and intimidates her, using lies and half-truths to maintain his crumbling facade as a caring husband. With Jesse, once a partner and friend, Walter shifts to a more controlling and oppressive figure, manipulating Jesse’s emotions and vulnerabilities to keep him under his influence. His need for control overrides any “loyalty” or “affection”, making Heisenberg a terrifying figure who no longer resembles the man he once was.

Walter’s search for redemption is complicated by his own ego. While he claims to be doing everything for his family, his actions show that his real motivation is to prove his own worth as Heisenberg. He’s driven by a need to be remembered as powerful, not by a desire to protect or support his loved ones. The world he creates is dangerous not just because of his criminal enemies, but because of the lies, manipulation, and violence he brings into his own home. Walter isn’t just hiding from the law—he’s hiding from his family, his friends, and even himself, as Heisenberg becomes a more prominent part of his identity. His loyalty to his family is shallow, serving only as a justification for his actions.

Bruce Banner and the Hulk are one of the most interesting superhero duos because they’re the same person but completely different at the same time. Bruce is a smart, calm scientist, while the Hulk is a giant, angry monster. Their story shows the struggle between the mind and emotions, something we all deal with in our own ways.

How the Hulk Came to Be

Bruce Banner becomes the Hulk after a science experiment with gamma radiation goes wrong. Whenever he gets too angry or stressed, he transforms into the Hulk, a powerful but uncontrollable creature. This causes a major problem for Bruce, because while he tries to stay calm and in control, he never knows when the Hulk will come out and cause chaos.

Two Sides of the Same Person

Bruce Banner’s story is a lot like the old Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde story, where one man has a calm side and a wild, dangerous side. The Hulk represents all the anger and emotions that Bruce tries to keep inside. While other heroes can control their powers, Bruce can’t control when the Hulk appears, and that scares him. However, there are times when he needs the Hulk’s strength to save the day, even if he doesn’t like it.

The Internal Struggle

The conflict between Bruce and the Hulk is relatable because we all have moments when we feel out of control. The Hulk symbolizes those feelings of anger or frustration that can sometimes take over. Bruce, on the other hand, represents the part of us that tries to stay logical and calm. Their relationship is a constant back-and-forth between these two sides, much like how we balance our emotions and thoughts.

Learning to Live with the Hulk

Over time, Bruce begins to realize that he can’t completely get rid of the Hulk. Instead, he learns to accept this part of himself. In Avengers: Endgame, Bruce combines his intelligence with the Hulk’s strength to become “Professor Hulk,” showing that by accepting both sides of himself, he can be stronger and more at peace.

Embracing Both Sides

Bruce Banner and the Hulk teach us that we all have different sides to ourselves—some calm and controlled, others emotional and chaotic. Instead of trying to fight against these sides, the real strength comes from accepting and balancing them. Their story is a reminder that everyone has their own “Hulk” inside, and it’s okay to find a way to live with it.

Introduction

Dexter Morgan, the main character in Dexter, is a fascinating figure known for his complicated double identity. By day, he works as a blood spatter analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department; by night, he becomes a vigilante serial killer, targeting those who have escaped justice. This duality raises important questions about morality and what it means to be human.

The Duality of Dexter Morgan

At first glance, Dexter seems like an ordinary guy with a stable job and a close-knit family. However, he struggles with a dark secret: he has a strong urge to kill. He refers to this urge as his “Dark Passenger.” Guided by a code from his adoptive father, Harry, Dexter only targets criminals, believing he is doing the right thing. This conflict makes us question whether someone can be good while committing terrible acts.

The Complexity of His Character

Dexter’s double life reveals his inner struggles. He often feels isolated and disconnected from others because he cannot form deep emotional connections. His relationships with his girlfriend Rita and his sister Debra highlight this tension. When he faces the threat of losing his loved ones, he becomes increasingly violent to protect them, showing the lengths he will go to maintain his double identity.

Conclusion

Dexter Morgan’s character challenges us to think about the balance between good and evil. As we watch him navigate his dual life, we see that he is a deeply flawed person seeking connection and acceptance. Whether viewed as a monster or an antihero, Dexter remains a memorable character, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.

Bruce Wayne, a rich playboy by day and Gotham’s crime-fighting hero by night, is one of the most famous characters in modern stories. His double identity as both Bruce Wayne and Batman makes him complex and shows the tension between how he looks in public and what he does in private. Bruce’s two lives aren’t just a simple disguise—they reflect his inner struggles, sense of responsibility, and the sacrifices he makes to be a hero.

Public Identity: Bruce Wayne

To the world, Bruce Wayne seems like a typical wealthy socialite. He attends charity events, drives fancy cars, and lives a life of luxury. On the surface, he appears detached from Gotham’s problems, acting like a carefree playboy who doesn’t care about the city’s struggles. This public persona helps him seem normal and hides his secret life as Batman.

This version of Bruce Wayne is carefully crafted to keep people from suspecting his activities as Gotham’s hero. It’s a mask, just like Batman’s cowl, meant to protect his secret. However, it’s not the full truth. Bruce uses this playboy identity to cover his emotional pain, vulnerability, and the heavy responsibility he carries as Gotham’s protector.

Private Identity: Batman

The death of Bruce Wayne’s parents is the driving force behind his decision to become Batman, fueling his commitment to justice and his fight against Gotham’s corruption. Their murder left him filled with anger and guilt, which he channels into his dual identity. On the surface, he plays the role of the wealthy, carefree Bruce Wayne, but beneath that, his anger drives him to become Batman, deeply connected to the city’s suffering. This darker persona allows him to sacrifice his own happiness and relationships to protect Gotham, ensuring others don’t experience the same loss he did.

The Inner Conflict: Balancing Two Lives

What makes Bruce Wayne’s double identity so compelling is the internal struggle he faces in balancing both personas. He’s constantly torn between his duties as Gotham’s protector and his desire for a normal life. Bruce can never fully be either person—he’s too committed to his mission as Batman to ever let go of the cape, but the role of Batman isolates him from the people he cares about as Bruce Wayne.

The tension between these identities is especially clear in Bruce’s relationships. As Batman, he pushes people away to protect them, fearing that anyone close to him will become a target. As Bruce Wayne, his playboy persona makes it difficult to form genuine connections because people don’t see the real him. This dual life creates a cycle of isolation and loneliness that he can never escape, and it’s a key part of what makes Bruce Wayne’s character tragic