Some emotionally moving stories are later discovered to be partly or entirely fictional. In my opinion, although readers may value the emotional impact of such stories, narratives presented as true should be factually accurate because falsely portraying fiction as reality can damage public trust in information and media.
Admittedly, many people are more concerned with emotional impact than factual accuracy. This is because people often consume stories for comfort, inspiration, or temporary escape from the stresses of daily life. On social media platforms and video-sharing websites, for example, emotionally powerful stories labeled as “true stories” frequently attract millions of views even when some parts are exaggerated or fabricated. Furthermore, fictional stories themselves are not necessarily harmful, as they can still teach valuable lessons about kindness, courage, or human relationships. From this perspective, some readers may believe that emotional value is more important than strict factual authenticity.
However, problems arise when fictional stories are deliberately presented as factual accounts. In the age of social media, misleading content can spread rapidly and influence public perception. If emotionally appealing but false stories become widely accepted, readers may gradually lose the ability to distinguish between genuine experiences and fabricated content. This could ultimately weaken public trust not only in online information but also in authentic testimonies and important news reports. Moreover, some content creators intentionally fabricate touching stories merely to gain attention, advertising revenue, or popularity online. Allowing such practices to become common may encourage a culture in which emotional manipulation is prioritized over honesty and accuracy.
In conclusion, while fictional stories can certainly provide emotional comfort and inspiration, stories that are presented as true should remain factually accurate. Otherwise, society may gradually become more tolerant of deception and less trusting of reliable information.