A must read :" The Sophist Has Logged In: Truth in the Age of Influence . Traversing Traditions.
Excerpt: In ancient Athens, the Sophists were public thinkers who taught people how to argue well, especially in courts and political gatherings. Their focus was on winning arguments, not necessarily on finding the truth. The aforementioned Sophists Protagoras and Gorgias believed that truth was subjective—that what seemed true for one person might not be for another. Instead of seeking wisdom, they emphasized rhetorical skill, helping wealthy young men succeed in public life. Plato and Socrates viewed this as a dangerous change from philosophy to performance.
Today, that same change has reappeared, but this time on social media platforms, not in city spaces. The digital world, driven by algorithms, often rewards posts that are emotionally engaging or visually appealing, rather than those based on careful or truthful content. This trend has created a new kind of Sophist: the influencer or digital personality, who builds a large following by shaping how they appear, rather than by being honest or knowledgeable.
Platforms like Instagram create a cycle of mimetic desire, where people are influenced by curated images and lifestyles that may not show reality. The more engaging or “authentic” someone seems online, the more influence they gain, even if what they share is exaggerated or false. Just as ancient Sophists impressed with polished language, today’s digital figures build credibility through style rather than substance."