Has global poverty really declined in recent decades?

Yes. The World Bank reports that in 1981, over 40% of the world lived in extreme poverty (under $2.15/day, adjusted for inflation). By 2019, that number had dropped to about 8%. That means over a billion people have escaped extreme poverty. The drivers include economic growth in Asia, international trade, improved governance, and investments in health and education. While inequality persists and COVID-19 temporarily slowed progress, the long-term trend is clear: humanity is better off economically than ever before. Media literacy helps ensure people recognize evidence-backed trends rather than sensationalized claims of universal decline.