SJMCC2026: Disinformation undermining democracy worldwide – Professor Rhodes

By: Mitchell Asare Amoamah

Harvard University scholar, Professor Christopher Rhodes, has warned that the growing spread of disinformation is eroding democracy and weakening public trust in facts across the world.

Delivering the keynote address on the opening day of the 2026 State of Journalism, Media and Communication Conference at the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) on July 15, Prof. Rhodes said journalists have a greater responsibility than ever to defend truth amid rising democratic backsliding.

Prof. Rhodes cautioned that false information is increasingly shaping public discourse.

“We live in a world where disinformation is prevalent. We have political actors, elected officials and candidates, news outlets and blogs that are increasingly was willing to spread lies and present them as facts,” he said.

He warned that the challenge extends beyond those spreading falsehoods.

According to him, many people are also becoming more willing to accept misinformation because they are overwhelmed or because falsehoods appear more appealing than the truth.

The professor urged journalists to remain committed to factual reporting despite these pressures.

“We do have the duty to speak truth to power and truth to the public, even as others are willing and able to tell them lies,” he stated.

Prof. Rhodes also highlighted the growing influence of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in amplifying misinformation. While acknowledging the benefits of such tools, he stressed that they must support journalism rather than replace it.

“We must manage this technological revolution carefully, because we may be in a moment when telling and spreading a falsehood is easier than verifying or reporting a fact, and certainly easier than upholding the truth,” he said.

Drawing lessons from history, Prof. Rhodes argued that omitting important facts can distort the truth and weaken democratic ideals.

He maintained that accurate, complete and responsible journalism remains essential to protecting democratic governance and preserving public confidence in institutions.

The virtual conference, held on the theme “Beyond Enemy of the People Journalism: Journalism, Civic Culture, Media Partisanship and Democratic Renewal in the Age of Democratic Backsliding,” brought together scholars and students from across Ghana and beyond.

It was spearheaded by the university’s School of Journalism and Media Studies.