De Fake News a infodemia: los cuentos mediáticos del COVID-19

Abstract

This research paper examines fake news and infodemia as unethical journalistic discourses during the Covid-19 pandemic. From an analytical and reflective perspective, the study aims to clarify the impact that misinformation and manipulation of information had on public opinion and trust in journalism, both globally and in Ecuador. During the health crisis, false news flooded everyday life, generating fear, uncertainty, and even apocalyptic scenarios. The technical and complex language used by scientists to communicate about the pandemic hindered public understanding, contributing to a widespread sense of fear. Communication and journalism failed to fully explain how the pandemic affected public health and the socioeconomic dimensions of countries. To highlight the presence of fake news in pandemicera media discourse, the study analyzes news from national and international outlets such as El Comercio, El Universo, BBC, CNN, RTVE, and El Universal. This crisis marked a turning point in political and social contexts, revealing an informational divide between governments, scientists, and civil society. In this scenario, journalism faced a major challenge due to the flood of false information rapidly spreading across digital platforms. The urgency to report news instantly, often without verifying facts, led to errors that damaged the profession’s reputation. Ultimately, this research seeks to contribute to the debate on journalistic ethics during global crises, proposing ideas and strategies to combat misinformation and restore public trust in the media.