When Everyone Has a Voice, Who Do We Trust?

In this digital age, information is everywhere, opinions are endless, and almost anyone can become a voice of influence. With just a smartphone and an internet connection, we can share our thoughts and comment on current affairs, with the possibility of these words and videos reaching thousands or even millions of people.

On the surface, this is something to celebrate. Knowledge is no longer confined to textbooks or classrooms. Yet, with thousands of images and videos competing for our attention every day, we may have become so accustomed to hearing everyone speak that we have forgotten to ask a more important question: Should we believe everything we see and hear simply because it sounds convincing?

Having worked in the communications field for more than 15 years, I have always believed in the power of communication. When the right message reaches the right people at the right time, it can change perceptions, build trust and move people to action. This fundamental principle has never changed.

It is much like sales. A good salesperson knows how to communicate a product’s value persuasively. But being able to sell a product does not necessarily mean the product is good. And therein lies the danger.

Today, someone can speak confidently about health without a medical background, offer financial advice without fully understanding the risks, or comment on complex issues after watching a few online videos. Through compelling storytelling and confident delivery, they may appear just as credible as someone who has spent years studying and working in the field.

Too often, we mistake confidence for competence, popularity for credibility, and eloquence for expertise. In a digital environment where attention is a valuable currency, the most engaging voice can easily become the most influential. We may be persuaded almost instantly, while facts take a back seat to presentation.

Perhaps this is a sign of changing times. I am reminded of the early years of my career, when fact-checking was crucial, especially when appearing on television or radio or speaking on behalf of an organisation.

Before an interview, talking points would be drafted and reviewed multiple times. Facts were checked, figures verified and messages carefully structured. Spokespersons would go through several rounds of review to ensure their statements were accurate, appropriate and something the organisation could stand behind.

After all, this was not merely about protecting a company’s reputation. It was also about recognising the responsibility that comes with having a public voice.

Today, many of these processes and professional expectations have disappeared. We can record a video or share an opinion within minutes, often without editorial review or fact-checking.

By the time someone questions a claim, it may already have reached thousands of people. Worse, the original post can simply be removed, but the damage may remain. Even when the truth eventually emerges, the initial impression can be difficult to undo.

This is not to say that people should be discouraged from expressing their views or sharing their experiences. Everyone has a voice, and the freedom to use it matters.

However, as recipients of all this information, we must be willing to ask questions, challenge ideas and consider whether what we hear and see, especially online, truly makes sense.

For instance, sharing a personal health journey may help someone feel less alone. But presenting that experience as medical advice for everyone could put others at risk. Similarly, making money from an investment does not mean the same strategy is suitable for everyone.

One has to remember that the line between sharing an experience and claiming authority can be surprisingly thin in this digital age.

So, what can we do about it? The answer begins with us.

As consumers of information, we need to be more discerning. Who is speaking? What experience or expertise do they have? Where does their information come from? Are they presenting evidence or sharing an opinion?

These questions encourage us to pause before believing or sharing what we see or hear.

Beyond that, we must also recognise that being a good communicator or influencer does not automatically make someone an expert, just as being an expert does not necessarily make someone a good communicator. The ability to speak persuasively and the ability to speak accurately are two different things.

The same standard should apply when we share information ourselves. If we are unsure, we should say so. If we make a mistake, we should correct it. And if a subject falls outside our expertise, we should be honest about that.

Beyond individual responsibility, governments and digital platforms also have a role to play. China, for instance, has introduced measures requiring certain online content creators to have relevant qualifications when discussing professional topics such as finance, health and law. While such measures raise questions about implementation and freedom of expression, they highlight an important concern: credibility matters when information can influence decisions that affect people’s lives.

Ultimately, in a world where everyone has a voice, perhaps the qualities we need most are accuracy, humility and the willingness to take responsibility for what we say.

Today, the question is no longer simply whether we have access to information, but whether we have the judgement to recognise what deserves our trust.

The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at Shirley.suat@gmail.com.