The Battle for Reality: How Political and Technological Forces Shape Our Perception.
Guest Author - Svetoslav Ivanov
Svetoslav Ivanov shares his thoughts with BFMI following a productive panel discussion at the Sofia “Tech Park Talks IThe Guardians: Science and Technology Protecting The Truth.”
For further information on the event, click here.
We live in a time of intense division—a climate where fear is exploited, politics grow toxic, and public attitudes are shaped by algorithms. Today, truth is increasingly seen as a product of belief and emotion rather than objective reality. Politicians and their strategists don’t rely on facts but instead present “alternative facts.” Truth, for them, is subjective—"their truth." This impacts not only how we perceive their words but also how we see the world. Addressing this crisis is the task of the century; it’s a long battle, one that transforms everything, though slowly and decisively.
In the past year, social media algorithms have further suppressed traditional news. On platforms like Facebook, fewer news stories appear in our feeds. The reason? A record number of elections were held globally, with over half the world’s population voting. Facebook, overwhelmed, responded by de-prioritizing news content, creating a vacuum for reliable information. Simultaneously, the rise of short, vertical videos (with TikTok leading the way) has drawn engagement away from conventional news, challenging media with a trend that lacks a sustainable business model.
Meanwhile, generative AI models are consuming journalistic content amassed over decades and worth billions, introducing a new form of competition: media content now competes against AI-generated versions of itself. We all feel the accelerating pace of information—an endless ocean of content, both factual and false, that we and our children scroll through every day, challenging our ability to focus and process information.
This relentless flow has also given rise to new voices questioning history, literature, and culture, claiming that we’re mere pawns in a grand conspiracy. Ironically, truth often lacks the drama of these narratives, and that makes it less attractive in the public sphere. Worse, authoritarian regimes manipulate democracy’s strongest tool—freedom of speech—to further their own ends. This paradox adds urgency to our societal quest for reality.
Today, science and technology are being called upon to support society in its fight for truth. But this battle is about something very simple yet profound: the human soul, and our ability to discern right from wrong, good from evil. This is our shared challenge, and the stakes could not be higher.
About Svetoslav Ivanov
Svetoslav Ivanov is one of Bulgaria’s most respected and influential journalists, known for his incisive analysis and unwavering commitment to truth. For over a decade, he has hosted 120 Minutes on bTV, a highly regarded program that tackles the country’s most pressing political and social issues. Through his thoughtful, nuanced approach, Ivanov has become a trusted voice, offering clarity and perspective in an era of misinformation and political division. His work not only informs but also challenges viewers to question, engage, and think critically about the world around them.
