The Sophist Has Logged In: Truth in the Age of Influence

How rhetorical manipulation resurfaces in politics and social media, and what Islamic ethics offer in response.

In the busy agoras of 5th-century BCE Athens, the Sophists became well-known experts in speech. They taught aspiring citizens how to win arguments in courts and public gatherings, not always through truth but through skill. Famous Sophists like Protagoras and Gorgias sold their rhetorical abilities for money, questioning absolute truths, morality, and supporting relativism. Their focus on performance over principle was criticized by Plato and Socrates, who worried about the moral decline it could cause.

Fast forward to today, and the Sophist has returned, not in robes but in reels, tweets, and televised soundbites. The agora has changed into the algorithm, and once again, style overshadows substance. Political spin doctors, social media influencers, and digital activists use techniques similar to their ancient counterparts. They shape perception, create identity, and sway emotions, often detached from any true quest for truth.

This article looks at how Sophistic philosophy has reemerged in today’s media-driven society, backed by social algorithms, identity politics, and emotional branding. Building on academic sources, digital studies, and Islamic teachings, I explore how this rhetorical comeback questions the ethical basis of public discourse and how we might push back against it.

From Agora to Algorithm: The New Sophistic Stage  

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.

From an Islamic viewpoint, this behavior raises ethical issues. Islam teaches that truthfulness (ṣidq) is a religious duty. The Qur’an warns:

وَلَا تَلْبِسُوا۟ ٱلْحَقَّ بِٱلْبَـٰطِلِ وَتَكْتُمُوا۟ ٱلْحَقَّ وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ

“Do not mix the truth with falsehood, or hide the truth knowingly.” (Qur’an 2:42)

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized this as well, saying:

“Truth leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī)

These teachings highlight a key difference: while modern digital culture may reward what seems true, Islamic ethics insist on what actually is true. When truth becomes a tool to gain attention or popularity, we lose the integrity that should guide communication.

In short, just like the Sophists of ancient Greece, today’s influencers and digital commentators often prioritize persuasion over principle. The challenge is to recognize this and respond, not necessarily with cynicism, but with a return to sincere, honest communication that reflects deeper values.

Political Sophistry 

In ancient Greece, Sophists used clever language to influence public opinion, often ignoring the truth. Their aim wasn’t to reach agreements based on facts, but to win arguments, even if it meant distorting reality. This pattern still exists today, especially in politics, where appearance often matters more than integrity. 

Modern politics has become more about performance. Slogans like “Make America Great Again” or “Yes We Can” may sound captivating, but they often lack specific policy details. Their main strength lies in emotional impact. This reflects a Sophistic tactic: using language to persuade rather than inform. According to the Oxford Internet Institute’s 2020 report, governments and political figures in over 80 countries engage in coordinated disinformation campaigns. They use bots and fake accounts to shape public opinion online. 

Instead of open debates, many political messages are filtered through algorithms that amplify whatever provokes a response. Outrage, fear, and identity politics often overshadow reasoned discussion. In this setting, gaining attention matters more than truth. Politicians communicate in soundbites rather than arguments, and policies are designed for media attention rather than real public benefit. 

This trend echoes the Sophists’ indifference to objective truth. Gorgias once stated that any idea could be argued persuasively, regardless of its factual basis. Similarly, modern political consultants often “reframe” tough issues using softer terms. For instance, they call civilian deaths “collateral damage” to shape perception instead of addressing the facts. 

In contrast, Islamic teachings stress the moral duty of speech, especially for leaders. The Qur’an states: 

 يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ كُونُوا۟ قَوَّٰمِينَ بِٱلْقِسْطِ شُهَدَآءَ لِلَّهِ وَلَوْ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَوِ ٱلْوَٰلِدَيْنِ وَٱلْأَقْرَبِينَ 

“O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah—even though it be against yourselves or your parents or kin.” (Qur’an 4:135) 

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned against dishonest leadership and misleading words. He said: 

“A person who is appointed as a ruler over the people and he dies while he is dishonest in his dealings with them, Allah will forbid Paradise for him.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī) 

These teachings place a significant ethical responsibility on those in power: to speak truthfully, act openly, and avoid manipulating people’s trust. 

However, when political success becomes linked to media performance, leaders may begin to act more like Sophists. They craft emotionally charged messages, evade accountability, and prioritize image over principle. This behavior harms individual trustworthiness and weakens public confidence in political institutions. 

As a result, citizens may become disillusioned and unsure whom to trust. Truth feels relative, facts appear negotiable, and democracy shifts from a system of shared responsibility to a contest of charisma. 

The Islamic tradition offers a different vision: leadership as a trust (amānah), speech as a moral obligation, and truth as non-negotiable. Restoring these principles in political life may be challenging, but it is crucial for any society that wants to be both just and stable.

Influencers and the Sophistry of Image

Sophists had gained popularity not just for their teachings, but for their presentation style. They became known for projecting authority through confident speech, appearance, and presence. Today’s social media influencers continue this tradition. They shape public opinion by how they present themselves online.

Modern digital platforms reward those who are visually engaging, emotionally expressive, and relatable. This environment often values performance over substance. Many influencers use persuasive techniques such as emotional appeal, false authority, and strategic storytelling to build trust and influence behavior, especially consumer behavior.

Unlike traditional experts, influencers do not always—and usually don’t—have deep knowledge or training. Instead, a carefully curated lifestyle, a confident tone, and an attractive aesthetic can create an illusion of credibility. This dynamic resembles ancient Sophists, who were also criticized for prioritizing appearance over truth and for teaching how to appear wise rather than pursuing wisdom.

Islamic ethics challenge this kind of rhetorical manipulation. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized sincerity (ikhlāṣ) and honesty (ṣidq) as essential virtues. He warned:

“The most fearful thing I fear for my Ummah is the eloquent hypocrite.” (Musnad Aḥmad)

This hadith highlights the danger of those who speak well but act dishonestly—a clear indication of Sophistic behavior in both ancient and modern contexts.

On platforms like Instagram or TikTok, influencers often mix personal stories with product promotions, blurring the line between reality and marketing. Followers may begin to believe in a brand persona instead of a real person. Domínguez notes that this shift promotes superficial authenticity—content crafted to seem honest, even if it’s scripted or staged.

Islam emphasizes intention (niyyah). If influence is used solely for profit or self-promotion, it loses its moral weight, no matter how sincere it seems. The Qur’an states:

وَمَآ أُمِرُوٓا۟ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ ٱلدِّينَ حُنَفَآءَ وَيُقِيمُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَيُؤْتُوا۟ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ ۚ وَذَٰلِكَ دِينُ ٱلْقَيِّمَةِ

“And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion.” (Qur’an 98:5)

This principle applies to every action, including speech and public behavior. True authenticity, in Islamic thought, depends on matching one’s inner self with outer behavior, not merely on how convincing one appears. Additionally, many influencers teach others how to build personal brands, monetize content, or “sell” authenticity. This turns the art of image-making into a marketable skill, similar to how Sophists taught persuasive techniques for legal and political gain.

In this light, influencers become both creators and products of a digital culture that values style over substance. Their success often relies not on honesty, but on being seen as trustworthy. This raises an ethical question: how can public figures maintain their influence without sacrificing sincerity?

The Islamic tradition provides a clear principle: influence is a trust, not a tool. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī)

Influencers—like any public figures—bear responsibility for how they guide others. In a world filled with curated images and algorithmic fame, true leadership comes from personal integrity, not performance.

Activism and Intellectual Sophistry: The New Morality Performance

Activism has always been a strong force for social change. However, in recent years, many observers have noticed a shift from principle-based advocacy to performance-driven messaging. Instead of fostering long-term agreement through ethical reasoning and open dialogue, some modern activism—especially online—relies heavily on emotional appeal, symbolic gestures, and identity politics. Critics argue that activism is often becoming more about looking morally right than about achieving real solutions.

Many activist movements today use Sophistic techniques: they employ powerful rhetoric to dominate public spaces but often lack a clear ethical or philosophical foundation. The emphasis is on gaining attention and asserting moral superiority, sometimes at the cost of honest dialogue or compromise. This mirrors the approach of the ancient Sophists, who skillfully used persuasive language without a commitment to truth or ethical consistency.

Similarly, some scholars critique how some public intellectuals rely on their institutional prestige or academic credentials instead of engaging in serious discussion. He points out that credentials are sometimes used to shut down debate rather than encourage it. This reflects how Sophists in ancient Greece leveraged their influence and reputation to shape opinion instead of seeking understanding through thoughtful exchange.

This shift in discourse into a performance of morality, rather than an actual pursuit, raises significant concerns. Virtue signaling—expressing opinions mainly to showcase one’s own virtue—can create division rather than unity. Public debate can turn into a contest of appearances rather than ideas.

In contrast, Islamic teachings emphasize substance over show. Actions are judged by intentions (niyyah), and words must be supported by truthfulness (ṣidq) and justice (ʿadl). The Qur’an commands: 

وَقُولُوا۟ لِلنَّاسِ حُسْنًۭا

“And speak to people kindly…” (Qur’an 2:83)

And more importantly: 

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ لِمَ تَقُولُونَ مَا لَا تَفْعَلُونَ 

“O you who believe, why do you say that which you do not do?” (Qur’an 61:2)

This verse reminds us that speech without integrity is spiritually harmful. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ modeled a type of activism rooted in humility, clarity, and moral consistency. He did not seek to appear righteous; he acted with righteousness, even when that was unpopular. 

Additionally, the Prophet ﷺ said:

“He who believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī and Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim) 

This hadith applies not only to individuals but also to public figures, thought leaders, and activists who shape collective opinion. The goal of communication from an Islamic viewpoint is not to win debates or go viral, but to convey truth, promote justice, and heal divisions. Today’s media culture often favors outrage, simplicity, and speed, but Islamic ethics call for thoughtfulness, patience, and depth. Activism that prioritizes short-term influence over long-term understanding risks becoming just another form of digital Sophistry—a performance in the name of truth but disconnected from its moral weight. 

To restore genuine social discourse, both activism and academia must return to principles over popularity. This means embracing disagreement with respect, balancing emotion with reason, and valuing sincerity over spectacle.

5. The Ethical Collapse: Truth as Casualty

In today’s fast-paced digital world, truth is often treated not as a value, but as a tool to support an agenda, generate attention, or strengthen group loyalty. This reflects a growing crisis in public discourse, which resembles the ethical collapse predicted by Plato in his critique of the Sophists. When persuasion becomes more important than sincerity, and when perception counts more than principle, the foundation of honest communication begins to weaken.

This concern is highlighted in the report Trust, Truth & Political Conversations (2021). It argues that truth in public life is increasingly negotiable. Politicians, media outlets, and public figures sometimes present not outright lies, but selective truths, framed to fit a narrative. Over time, this erodes public trust, leaving citizens unsure of what’s real and who to believe. The result is not just misinformation but also moral confusion.

This trend echoes ancient Sophistic tactics, where truth was treated as a matter of opinion, and language was used to sway crowds rather than clarify reality. Today, we observe similar strategies in manipulative headlines, emotionally charged content, and “performative truth”—truth as a performance, tailored for different audiences.

From an Islamic perspective, this signifies a serious ethical failure. Truth (ḥaqq) is not a performance. It is a moral obligation. The Qur’an frequently links truth to justice and guidance: 

وَلَا تَلْبِسُوا۟ ٱلْحَقَّ بِٱلْبَـٰطِلِ وَتَكْتُمُوا۟ ٱلْحَقَّ وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ

“And do not conceal the truth while you know it.” (Qur’an 2:42)

These verses emphasize that truth should not be twisted, even when inconvenient or unpopular. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned about the dangers of abandoning truth in daily speech:

“A person continues to lie and pursues falsehood until he is recorded with Allah as a liar.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī)

When truth is merely a rhetorical tool, society risks becoming a place of manipulated emotions, shallow performances, and empty relationships. As noted by researcher Rodríguez Domínguez, even empathy and apology can be performed online for public approval rather than out of genuine feeling. This raises a critical question: if sincerity itself can be faked, what remains as a basis for trust?

Moreover, the structure of modern digital media—driven by algorithms that reward outrage and simplicity—intensifies this problem. Posts that provoke anger or agreement spread faster than those offering balanced reasoning. In such a system, truth becomes optional, and attention becomes the actual currency.

Islamic ethics teaches that truth is sacred, even when it costs us popularity or power. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Leave that which causes you doubt for that which does not cause you doubt, for truth is peace of mind and falsehood is doubt.” (Jāmiʿ al-Tirmidhī)

This hadith reminds us that truth is not just external; it is also internal. It shapes the conscience, stabilizes the heart, and fosters peace in relationships. A society that turns away from truth in favor of performance may still function, but it will be a society built on illusion, not trust.

The ethical collapse we see today is due dishonesty. When platforms, institutions, and cultural incentives reward rhetoric over reality, the Sophist thrives—not as a villain, but as a natural result of the system.

To address this, we need more than fact-checkers; we need a cultural renewal rooted in values that prioritize integrity over influence. The Islamic tradition provides that framework. It reminds us that truth is not negotiable and that sincerity, patience, and humility are the foundations of ethical communication.

6. Resisting Sophistry: Plato, Socrates, and the Prophetic Model

Throughout this discussion, it becomes clear that the return of Sophistic rhetoric in modern life, whether through digital media, politics, or activism, poses a real challenge to truthful, ethical communication. This is not a new problem. Philosophers and prophets have faced similar threats in their own times, offering us guidance on how to respond.

In ancient Athens, Plato and Socrates were among the first to push back against Sophistry. While the Sophists taught how to persuade regardless of truth, Socrates insisted that dialogue must aim for wisdom and moral clarity. His method of inquiry, asking honest, reflective questions, was designed to uncover truth, not to win debates. For Socrates, conversation was not about defeating an opponent but about helping both sides move closer to understanding.

Today, the Socratic method still holds value. In a world where loud opinions often drown out thoughtful questions, we need to create spaces where humble, critical thinking is encouraged and where changing one’s mind is seen as growth, not weakness. But for Muslims, there is an even deeper model: the Prophetic method of speech and engagement. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was known for his eloquence, sincerity, patience, and moral responsibility in speech. The Qur’an describes his character as:

لَّقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِى رَسُولِ ٱللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌۭ 

“Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example…” (Qur’an 33:21)

His approach to public discourse avoided performance and arrogance. He spoke with purpose, clarity, and compassion. He invited others to truth through wisdom and gentle argument, as the Qur’an commands: 

ٱدْعُ إِلَىٰ سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِٱلْحِكْمَةِ وَٱلْمَوْعِظَةِ ٱلْحَسَنَةِ ۖ وَجَـٰدِلْهُم بِٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحْسَنُ 

“Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in the best manner.” (Qur’an 16:125)

This verse sets the tone for resisting Sophistry with balanced, thoughtful, and respectful dialogue, rather than anger or mockery.

Modern scholars like Donald Robertson speak of the need for “Socratic resilience,” a mindset that resists manipulation by staying calm, asking better questions, and avoiding emotionally reactive conversations. This closely aligns with the Islamic emphasis on restraint and good character. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“The strong man is not the one who can wrestle, but the one who controls himself when angry.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī & Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)

Resisting Sophistry today means more than fact-checking; it means living by higher principles in how we communicate and how we listen. It requires courage to speak the truth, humility to admit when we don’t know, and wisdom to choose silence when needed.

Educational institutions, media outlets, religious communities, and families all have a role in building this culture. When we teach young people not just how to speak but when and why, we move toward an ethical public sphere. When we honor honesty over virality, and depth over drama, we begin to reverse the damage done by digital Sophistry.

Ultimately, both the Socratic and Prophetic models remind us that language is not a tool for power but a trust (amānah). Speech, when guided by ethics, can heal rather than divide, and build rather than destroy.

7. Conclusion: From Spectacle to Sincerity

The Sophists of ancient Greece have not disappeared; they have simply changed their platforms. Once, they stood in public squares; now, they appear on screens. Instead of scrolls, they use scripts; instead of logic, they rely on likes, trends, and viral reach. But their purpose remains much the same: to persuade, not necessarily to tell the truth. 

From politics to social media, from activism to academia, we increasingly see a shift away from truth as a moral anchor toward truth as a performance. Emotional appeal often takes precedence over ethical reasoning. The digital age has allowed for the resurgence of Sophistic values, where style is favored over sincerity, and influence is measured by followers, not wisdom. 

This creates a significant challenge for anyone committed to truth, justice, and ethical communication. But the solution is not merely to criticize or withdraw. As this article has shown, both Socratic dialogue and Prophetic ethics offer a way forward. 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ did not just speak beautifully; he spoke with purpose, humility, and sincerity. His mission was not to win debates but to change hearts. In the Qur’an, we learn to speak with fairness, even when the truth is hard, and to avoid manipulation, even when it benefits us. This message is very relevant today. 

What we need is a cultural shift from spectacle to sincerity. This involves:

1. Encouraging dialogue that values understanding over control.
2. Promoting education that fosters critical thinking along with ethical reflection.
3. Supporting public figures who show integrity, not just influence.
4. And most importantly, reclaiming the idea that truth has intrinsic worth, even when it doesn’t trend.

Social media platforms, institutions, and individuals all play a role in shaping this environment. As consumers of information and contributors to public discourse, we must ask ourselves: Are we seeking truth, or just responding to what feels good, sounds appealing, or looks real? 

Resisting modern Sophistry is an intellectual, spiritual, and ethical task. By grounding our speech and actions in sincerity (ikhlāṣ), truthfulness (ṣidq), and justice (ʿadl), we can begin to restore what has been lost: a public space that respects truth, even when it’s quiet, and values people, even when they don’t perform. 

In a world overwhelmed by persuasion without principles, returning to truth with intention has become essential.

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Photo by Joshua Reddekopp on Unsplash

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