Rethinking Truth & the Future of Journalism in the Digital Age | Arun Anand

What happens when truth becomes optional, and everyone becomes a journalist?

This week on Topical, Rajan Nazran sits down with veteran journalist and author Arun Anand for a sweeping conversation on media, technology, identity, and the uncertain future of truth in a digital world. Drawing on more than three decades in journalism, Anand offers a rare insider’s perspective on how the information ecosystem has transformed, and what it means for societies trying to make sense of reality.

From the era of limited newspapers and a single state broadcaster to today’s hyperconnected digital landscape, Anand has witnessed the complete reinvention of media. He reflects on how journalism has shifted from fact-driven reporting to opinion-heavy storytelling, where narratives often take precedence over nuance. The traditional discipline of reporting, once built on restraint and careful observation, is increasingly replaced by speed, visibility, and personal branding.

But this transformation is not entirely negative. Anand argues that technology has democratized media power, breaking the monopoly once held by large institutions. Today, a small digital platform can influence global conversations just as effectively as major news organizations. Yet this democratization comes with risks: blurred lines between fact and fiction, deepfakes, and an overload of information that makes truth harder to identify.

The conversation moves beyond journalism to explore what Anand calls a new “tech civilization,” where digital tools shape not only how we communicate but how we think. In this emerging world, traditional ideas such as nation-states, borders, and media authority are being redefined. Technology companies now wield influence comparable to governments, while social media platforms shape public opinion in ways unimaginable a generation ago.

One of the most striking parts of the discussion focuses on adaptation. Can societies adjust to a world where digital immersion is constant? Anand suggests that the answer lies not only in regulation or innovation, but in social structures, particularly the role of family and community. He describes growing movements toward “digital fasting” and reduced screen dependence, arguing that strong social bonds may be the most effective defense against technological overload.

Education is another area where Anand sees the need for reinvention. He highlights experimental learning models that combine traditional knowledge with modern skills, emphasizing creativity, physical activity, and ethical development rather than standardized testing. These alternative approaches, he suggests, may better prepare young people for a rapidly changing world.

Perhaps the most provocative theme of the conversation is the nature of truth itself. Anand suggests that truth is often subjective, shaped by experience and perspective. In an age where artificial intelligence can generate convincing narratives and rewrite history at scale, the challenge is not just finding facts but cultivating ethical frameworks to interpret them.

The discussion also turns to the Indian diaspora and the search for identity in a globalized world. Anand reflects on the tensions between cultural roots and modern lifestyles, arguing that identity evolves over generations rather than decades. For many diaspora communities, belonging is not tied solely to geography but also to shared values and cultural memory.

Ultimately, this episode is less about journalism or technology alone and more about how societies navigate change. Anand remains cautiously optimistic, arguing that humans have always adapted to disruptive transformations and that this era will be no different.

But the questions remain.

If everyone has a voice, who decides what matters?
And in a world overflowing with information, how do we recognize what is true?

Listen to the full episode and decide for yourself.

*Disclaimer: The perspectives expressed by the guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of our platform. This discussion is intended solely for knowledge-sharing and should not be interpreted as endorsement.

Produced by Global Indian Series for the Global Indian Network.

Script by Rajan Nazran
original idea: Rajan Nazran

Introduction music: (https://freesound.org/people/Timbre)