IBERIFIER coordinator Ramón Salaverría warned of the growing difficulty in distinguishing truth in a context shaped by disinformation, the increasing influence of emotions, and the erosion of consensus around evidence. He delivered his remarks on 16 July at the International Menéndez Pelayo University, UIMP, during a debate on lies and disinformation held as part of the course The Adventure of Successfully Communicating Science in Spanish.
Salaverría argued that society is undergoing a profound shift in its relationship with truth, noting that while most people believe disinformation affects others, few recognise their own vulnerability to it. He also maintained that the virtualisation of information and the creation of artificial realities are weakening confidence in verifiable evidence, while emotions and simple narratives increasingly outweigh rational argument.
Against this backdrop, Salaverría stressed the importance of journalism founded on verification, transparency, editorial independence and the correction of errors. During the same debate, Juan Luis Manfredi argued that lies and disinformation are not new phenomena but have long been used to consolidate power and shape political and national narratives, identifying persistent alarmism as one of their main drivers. Anthropologist Candela Antón added that the ability to lie is part of human development. The speakers concluded that critical thinking and media literacy are essential tools for countering disinformation.
Photo published on the University’s website with the caption: Juan Luis Manfredi, Candela Antón and Ramón Salaverría at UIMP. The copyright in the photo belongs to the University.
