OPINION By Makhosini Mpofu: In a world where facts are increasingly optional, and reality is shaped by cherry-picked narratives, it’s becoming clear that our institutions are under attack. The recent dismantling of USAID is a prime example of this phenomenon, where manufactured outrage and selective data are being used to justify the elimination of independent agencies.

This playbook of manufactured outrage is not unique to USAID. It’s a tactic that’s being used to attack a wide range of institutions, from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to the Department of Education.

The goal of this tactic is clear: to erode trust in our institutions and create a culture of misinformation. By cherry-picking data and presenting it in a way that’s designed to provoke outrage, those who seek to dismantle our institutions are able to create a narrative that’s divorced from reality. But the consequences of this tactic are severe. When our institutions are undermined, it’s not just the agencies themselves that suffer – it’s the people they serve.

In the case of USAID, the agency’s work in promoting global health, education, and economic development will be severely impacted by its dismantling.

So what can we do to push back against this playbook of manufactured outrage?

First and foremost, we need to demand better from our leaders. We need to insist that they provide us with accurate, unbiased information, and that they engage in honest, fact-based debate. We also need to support our institutions and the people who work for them. We need to recognize the value that these agencies bring to our society, and we need to stand up for them when they’re under attack. Finally, we need to be critical consumers of information. We need to be skeptical of narratives that seem too good (or bad) to be true, and we need to seek out multiple sources of information before forming an opinion.

The erosion of trust in our institutions is a serious problem, but it’s not insurmountable. By demanding better from our leaders, supporting our institutions, and being critical consumers of information, we can push back against the playbook of manufactured outrage and build a more just and equitable society.