Academics raise concerns over disinformation around the proposal for the New Chilean Constitution
Chilean academics warn of disinformation circulating around the New Chilean Constitution proposal, particularly regarding sensitive topics like private property and social security. Professor Sebastián Valenzuela highlights the use of disinformation to manipulate public opinion, despite limited risks of people being misled. Elites are accused of attempting to shape the narrative in their favor ahead of the upcoming elections.
Chilean academics are raising concerns over disinformation around the proposal for the New Chilean Constitution. The electoral campaign for the elections that will define whether a new constitution is approved in Chile starts August 5th. However, there has already been disinformation going around controversial issues such as private property, abortion and social security. Profesor Sebastián Valenzuela claims that disinformation campaigns are being used not only to sow doubt among citizens but also as an active attack, triggering emotional reactions. Valenzuela explains that investigations suggest that in the case of Chile, there are no “fake news” sites per se, but rather national elites trying to set the agenda in their favor. Nevertheless, research also points that the risks of people falling for disinformation though are not very high.