Alternatives to protect victims of fake news in Tarija, Bolivia

Disinformation, better known as false news or fake news, limits our freedom of expression and weakens democratic systems; thus, the post-truth era affects our society by appealing more to emotions than to reason. The main objective of this research is to generate material that allows drawing up educational strategies, to protect the main victims of false news. The research was developed through documentary review and the application of opinion surveys to people over 15 years of age in an estimated population of 157,522 people living in the urban area of ​​the city of Tarija - Bolivia. The outstanding results indicate that the most used social networks are Facebook and WhatsApp. It was determined that the types of fake news that circulate the most are economic scams with other types of scams; apparitions and supernatural themes; as well as the discredit of specific people. The main reasons for spreading false news are the need to share useful material and simply interesting content, with people over 51 years of age, retirees, women and people in charge of housework being the ones who spread this type of news the most. Another result indicates that fake news generates anger or surprise, turning users into victims and issuers of misleading content at the same time. The urgency of generating a culture of digital education that allows responsible use of social networks to strengthen our freedom of expression and democratic values ​​is evident.

• Autore principale: Vásquez Fernández, Bernardino Jesús (author)
• Natura: article
• Lingua: spa
• Pubblicazione: 2023
• Soggetti: Desinformación, educación sobre medios de comunicación, medios sociales, internet.; Misinformation, media education, social media, internet
• Accesso online: http://revistas.ulvr.edu.ec/index.php/yachana/article/view/845