Film Review - „How to Build a Truth Engine“ By Friedrich Moser
- Editorial Team
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
In his documentary "How to Build a Truth Engine," Friedrich Moser explores one of the most pressing questions of our time: Why does it seem so difficult to distinguish truth from lies? The film follows several interwoven threads—information warfare, investigative journalism, software development, and neuroscience—to explore the central question: Why are we so easily deceived?
"How To Build A Truth Engine" - Friedrich Moser searches for solutions
In his documentary, Moser doesn't simply sound the alarm. He worked on this film for over five years, speaking with scientists, journalists, developers, and thought leaders. The result isn't a panacea, but a serious, in-depth attempt to understand how we got into this situation—and what we can do to get out of it.
The storyline of the documentary
1. Our brain wants to be deceived.
The human brain loves patterns – even where there aren't any. Those who spend too much time online and repeatedly encounter similar or one-sided content begin to see the world through distorted lenses. Familiar statements suddenly "feel" true – even when they aren't. A key finding of the neuroscientists in the film: Our sense of reality can quietly derail without us noticing.
2. Disinformation is nothing new, but it is more powerful today than ever.
Confusion as a war strategy? Nothing new, says Moser – strategists like Sun Tzu already knew this over 2,000 years ago. However, the speed and reach are new: social media, AI, and the internet as an accelerant give fake news a whole new power. The film shows concrete examples, including the role of conspiracy theories in storming the US Capitol and how TikTok influenced the elections in Romania.
3. Journalism must evolve.
Classic journalistic principles – fact-checking, reliable sources, multiple verification – remain essential, but are no longer sufficient. Moser shows how investigative teams (e.g., at the New York Times) use satellite imagery, private video footage, and open-source analysis to reconstruct war crimes and debunk disinformation. It's 21st-century journalism – half detective work, half use of technology.
4. Technology helps – but it won't save us.
Despite the title, there is no actual "Truth Engine." What we do have are tools. Data analysis can help visually connect real events, while conspiracy theories often float isolated in digital space. The film refers to "fake islands." Such maps could help identify lies more quickly in the future. But one thing remains clear: technology is part of the solution, not the solution itself.
Key Findings
Media literacy is essential. Moser points to Finland: Children there learn early on to critically question sources – no wonder it's the country with the highest trust in the media.
Truth requires a stable ecosystem. This includes independent journalism, reliable technology, responsible citizens, and an awareness of our cognitive weaknesses.
Facts alone are not convincing. Populists reach people through emotions. Those who stand up for the truth must learn to communicate accurately and touchingly with real, human stories.
No one is immune. Moser himself admits to having fallen for fake news. The key is to recognize, learn from, and be willing to correct oneself.
Takeaway
How to Build a Truth Engine isn't about building a machine that tells us what's true. It's about creating a society that can handle truth, with openness, curiosity, and the right tools to see clearly amid the information noise. A relevant, thoughtful film that not only shows the problem, but also ways we can tackle it together.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rating: 5 / 5
A clever combination of journalism, technology, and neuroscience. A vivid narrative with real-life examples and high social relevance. Solution-oriented rather than alarmist – a film with a strong attitude.