Human intelligence vs. untruth

SCIENCE affirms that human intelligence remains the most complex and adaptable force known. It is capable of reasoning, imagining and reflecting to recognise exaggerated untruths and uphold the sanctity of reason beyond mere facts or second-hand stories.

Yet even this remarkable intellect can falter when emotion, bias and uncertainty collide. The human tendency to overstate or understate information has never been more evident than in our tech-driven age, where instant messaging, algorithmic feeds and AI-powered communication dictate the rhythm of conversation.

Within seconds, a casual comment can ignite family tension, workplace conflict or social-media outrage. Stories tend to become exaggerated, expanding with each retelling.

They grow not only through technology but also through our innate desire for closure – the comfort of believing we know rather than admitting we do not.

Given the remarkable nature of the human mind, why do partial truths seem to echo louder than facts? Why do fragments of truth grow in significance far beyond their substance? Or will distraction and misinformation diminish our greatest power?

The answers lie in the intricate interplay of cognition, emotion and the digital environments that mirror and magnify our human imperfections. Psychologists have long studied the Need for Cognitive Closure (NFCC) – a well-established theory that describes our desire to resolve uncertainty quickly.

Simply put, the NFCC drives us to seize quick answers and freeze on them, resisting new information that might challenge our initial conclusions. This insidious drive explains why half-told stories can feel complete and why speculation often replaces evidence.

Our desire for certainty inflates misunderstandings into great divides. The impulse for closure can override reason, creating a vacuum where distorted narratives thrive.

Building on the NFCC, behavioural science proposes what we might call the Theory of Emotional Address. This theory explores the heart’s need for connection, while cognitive closure focuses on the mind’s desire for certainty.

People often respond to the emotional invitation embedded within facts rather than to the facts themselves. Every message carries a tone, a subtle call to feel anger, loyalty, fear or belonging. At its core lies an underlying challenge: Social Curiosity Anxiety – the constant desire to be informed, to comment and to participate in fast-paced social interactions.

This anxiety drives impulsive reactions, instant sharing and unverified retelling – behaviours that ease discomfort but also reinforce distortion.

This dynamic is essential to the sanctity of reason, as it explains why emotional pull can so easily overshadow logic in conversation. When we respond primarily through emotion, reason becomes secondary – an afterthought to instinctive reaction.

Recognising this allows us to separate the emotional tone of a message from its factual content.

By mastering this applied science, we learn to pause, engage in intellect before impulse and re-establish reason as the centre of dialogue.

The key to achieving applied science mastery lies in translating these insights into practice. Reason is not only a mental skill but a discipline that must be lived.

Pause before posting or speaking, trace sources, test assumptions and welcome alternative perspectives.

Slowing the rush to closure allows truth to emerge and human dignity to be preserved. Logic and compassion are not opposites – they complement each other, guiding thought through uncertainty and complexity.

The discipline of reason cultivates habits of reflection and discernment, modelling integrity for both children and peers. Through our everyday decisions, we choose reason over reaction, curiosity over assumption, and in doing so, reaffirm the quiet strength of a thoughtful mind.

Logic over power sustains the sanctity of reason. Living in truth is both a deliberate act and a guiding principle.

In a century of ceaseless messages, viral stories and machine-assisted narratives, every pause, thoughtful question and intentional choice is revolutionary.

Perhaps the greatest revolution may not be measured in devices or algorithms, but in the smart use of the human mind, a three-pound organ capable of imagining galaxies, decoding life itself and creating societies.

The capacity of intelligence is not only to compute but also to reflect, question and choose – is what makes it truly remarkable.

In the grand science formula, it is reason – exercised thoughtfully, with awareness and courage – that ultimately trumps the exaggerated untruths.

Intent also matters. Not all distorted stories are harmless; some are deliberately crafted to provoke, influence or cause harm. In today’s world, misinformation spreads rapidly through systems that prioritise engagement over truth.

Trust and relationships can be damaged unintentionally when information is shared without reflection.

AI tools such as ChatGPT improve access to information, but they cannot replace human judgement.

The greatest act of human power is not to rush for answers, but to embrace the mystery with logic and compassion.

Ultimately, it is human intelligence – our capacity to think deeply, question honestly and act ethically – that alone preserves the sanctity of reason.

The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of the newspaper.

DAILY NEWS