In polarised societies, speed in media is not just a professional advantage—it is power. This article explores how viral tweets, breaking news, and rapid dissemination often outpace verification, allowing rushed narratives to harden into “truth” before facts can intervene. Through examples from India and global contexts, the author argues that misinformation is not always accidental; it can be weaponised to shape public opinion, justify state action, and deepen social divides