A Post Truth World

As the world keeps changing because of technology, people start to ask more about what makes humans different from machines. One common question that often comes up between teachers and students is: what is the real difference between humans and artificial intelligence, apart from the way we look?

Nowadays, artificial intelligence has become a tool to help people do their work faster and easier. For example, when I write this article, AI helps me correct grammar and organize my ideas better. But, more than that, AI is now able to copy many human abilities, even creativity. AI is now able to sort of manipulate our emotions by creating graphics and images that can look very real. This has caused more disruption in the realms of information more than ever.

This disruption affects everyone regardless of gender, age, education level, or profession. But its impact is especially severe on women. In today’s post truth era, a new battleground has emerged: one where misinformation, digital manipulation, and algorithmic bias collide. Women are disproportionately vulnerable in this environment (Gelgel, et al, 2020). They are more likely to be targets of online intimidation, image exploitation, and toxic stereotypes. Misogyny is no longer hidden. It is amplified by algorithms and normalized by influential platforms. A clear example of this is the continued popularity of controversial figures like Andrew Tate, who, despite facing serious legal charges, is still given space to shape public opinion in deeply harmful ways.

One of the most concerning aspects of this issue is how online antagonism can extend into the real world. The domino effect of digital misinformation is both visible and alarming. A notable example is the overturning of Roe v. Wade in the United States, a decision that was very likely influenced by years of misinformation and ideological bias. This shows that false narratives can shape public opinion, affect legal rulings, and ultimately threaten women’s rights.

For this reason, when you are a teacher, it is no longer enough to provide your students only with facts. We must also equip them with the tools to examine and evaluate the truth. These tools may not be physical objects, but they are essential for stimulating critical and reflective thinking. It also applies the same for university students, or for us, as the cadre of Muhammadiyah Student Association or Ikatan Mahasiswa Muhammadiyah.

Understanding or even defining truth has become a significant challenge in this era. Many times, we question whether an information is right or a truth. If we try to fully explore the question of what is “right,” we would find ourselves entering a much deeper philosophical and moral discussion. Which definitely deserves its own article. In this essay, however, I will mention two capacities that humans use when determining what is right: the mind, which engages in logic and harm-benefit analysis, and the heart, which considers moral reasoning and empathy.

Most AI systems primarily operate within the realm of logic and data. While they excel at analysis, they lack the emotional depth and spiritual understanding. Two things that also guide human decision making and are crucial dimensions AI can’t replicate. This is when prophetic intellectual movement plays a vital role in producing cadres that are able to examine ‘truth’ in this chaotic information run.

As human interaction becomes more transactional in this capitalistic society, the prophetic intellectual movement gives an alternative on how human interaction is not merely about material gain, but a way to actualize their existence as khalifatullah fil ard. 

The Space for Women in Intellectual Prophetic Movement

Even if the concept of ‘prophetic’ is familiar to many IMM cadres, I would like to remind the readers one more time that the word ‘prophetic’ originates from the word ‘prophet’. When combined with the suffix “ic,” it becomes an adjective. It refers to something that carries the values, spirit, and mission of the prophets. A prophetic intellectual, therefore, is not only a thinker but also a moral actor, someone who combines knowledge, faith, and action in service of humanity.

The core of the prophetic mission is the application of universal values like liberation and justice for the betterment of humanity. One of the clearest ways to practice these values today is by empowering women.

Now why should we prioritize women empowerment in manifesting the intellectual prophetic movement? Well, the answer lies in the idea within the values of prophethood itself. The prophetic movement itself begins with the idea of liberation; a freedom from all forms of oppression. In this context, women play a significant role by becoming integral parts of the collective intellectual process. This was once discussed in Simposium Immawati (Immawati Symposium) in 2025 about producing intellectual agents within the intellectual incubation of Immawati. There it is hoped that not only we provide a safe space to learn for immawati, but produce knowledge and voicing justice.

There is a well known saying “If you educate a man, you educate an individual; but if you educate a woman, you educate a nation.” This reflects the enormous potential women have in advancing intellectual development, not only within families but across society. An educated woman is more likely to raise an educated generation, and this contributes directly to national progress and ethical development.

We’ve seen how countries that have prioritized the rights, education, and participation of women tend to perform better across multiple dimensions: from economic growth and innovation to social wellbeing and democratic stability. Nordic nations, for example, consistently rank high in gender equality (E Larsen, et a, 2021) and have some of the most educated and prosperous populations in the world according to Annual Global Prosperity Indec by The Legatum Institute.

In my view, this is one of the most strategic ways to implement prophetic intellectual values. The role of women in knowledge production and critical thinking deserves greater attention. Discussions about women’s experiences and perspectives should be seen as a legitimate field of knowledge. Just as Ummu Salamah once questioned the Prophet in the name of justice, why are only men mentioned in the Qur’an?” a verse was revealed affirming that all men and women who believe and do righteous deeds will receive equal reward (Al-Ahzab: 35). This definitely is a prophetic affirmation that women have the right to question, and that revelation responds with justice and equality. Ummu Salamah has set a good example and this should be perpetuated by immawatis or IMM members in general, that is to continue to question and contribute to intellectual and ethical discourse.

Empowering women is not only a moral necessity, itt is also an intellectual one. It expands the collective capacity of a society to think critically, solve problems, and imagine new futures. In this sense, investing in women is a form of liberation of the intellect, which is deeply in line with the prophetic mission to unlock human potential through justice, knowledge, and dignity for all.

Fatima Al Fihri, demonstrating the critical role of women in education and intellectual development a long time ago when she found the concept of university. It shows us that when women are given access and empowered, they can thrive and contribute to becoming ‘khairunnas’ or the best human by serving or becoming beneficial to others. Also, again, as an actualizing khalifatullah fil ard, which is a prophetic characteristic especially carried by humans.

But other than access alone, we must also talk about intellectual transformation. A deeper, sustained process that requires more than just classrooms. Women’s intellectual growth blooms in a society that is safe, supportive, and structurally just. That includes holding meetings that don’t always run late into the night, and creating spaces where women are encouraged to speak, nurture their voice, and lead. It means actively pushing for agendas that are pro women, not just in content, but in how they are shaped, delivered, and implemented. Especially in today’s post truth era, where women are increasingly vulnerable to objectification, their defense is no longer a sharpened sword but rather a sharpened mind.

by : Afkari Rahmadiani (Sekretaris Bidang Immawati DPD IMM DIY)

References:

Al Qur’an Al Kareem. Surah Al Ahzab Chapter 35.

BBC. 2025. Who is Andrew Tate? The Self-proclaimed Misogynist Influencer. Source : https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-64125045 

Gelgel, dkk. 2020. Hoaxes: Attacking all Netizen and Putting Women as the Most Vulnerable Group (Survey on Netizen’s Responses to Hoaxes in Gianyar Bali). Atlantis Press. Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research. Volume 510. Page 201-208

Larsen, E., Manns, U., & Östman, A. C. (2022). Gender-equality pioneering, or how three Nordic states celebrated 100 years of women’s suffrage. Scandinavian Journal of History, 47(5), 624–647. https://doi.org/10.1080/03468755.2021.2023035

Martin, Will. 2017. The 28 happiest, richest, most advanced, and healthiest countries in the world. Source : https://www.businessinsider.com/legatum–institute-2017-prosperity–index–the–worlds–best–countries-2017-11 

Sani, Muhammad Abdul. 2020. Manifesto Gerakan Intelektual Profetik. Yogyakarta : Litera