What does Haikal Idris say about people believing false information that fits their narrative?

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Haikal Idris says people often believe weak or false information that supports their narrative

Haikal Idris says that when something challenges someone’s narrative, it becomes easy for them to believe almost anything that is weak or not true, as long as it fits what they want to believe. He also points out that many people do not put in the effort to look for credible sources before sharing or accepting claims. During his time curating @twt_malaysia, he said people retweeted an HIV statistics chart that appeared to be made in PowerPoint, even though it did not look legitimate.
People believe false claims when they match their narrative
Haikal Idris describes a pattern where people feel justified in accepting information that hurts someone else’s narrative. He says the key factor is whether the information aligns with their own story, not whether it is accurate or well-supported. In his view, this is why weak or false information can spread quickly.
Many people do not check credible sources
He emphasises that not many people make the effort to find credible sources. Instead of verifying claims, people may rely on what feels persuasive or convenient for their argument. This, in his telling, is part of the broader problem with how information is handled online.
His experience curating @twt_malaysia involved misleading HIV statistics
While curating @twt_malaysia, Haikal said others tried to tell him that HIV statistics had changed and shared a chart that looked like it was made on PowerPoint. He said many people retweeted it and used it against him despite its lack of legitimacy. Later, someone provided what he described as a trustworthy source, and he accepted that he was wrong.
He links the behaviour to the “easiest option” for offence and justification
Haikal also frames the sharing of weak facts and sources as something people do because it is the easiest way to justify their own narrative. He notes that a long response with weak facts and sources was still shared by many people, even though it lacked solid backing. In his account, getting offended becomes a shortcut that allows people to support their story without verification.

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What does Haikal Idris say about people believing false information that fits their narrative?

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