Pope Francis Denounces Disinformation and Polarization in the Digital Age
The Pope also referred to Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, which has raised concern after announcing the end of its data verification program in the US. Jan 24, 2025 Photo: EFE
January 24, 2025 Hour: 6:45 pm
“The word is used like a dagger,” he warned, underlining how false or manipulated information is used to incite hatred and division.
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In a powerful message for the 59th World Communications Day, Pope Francis addressed the growing problem of disinformation and polarization that characterizes our time.
In his speech, the Pontiff stressed that a small number of power centers control an unprecedented amount of data and information, which raises serious concerns about the current state of global communication.
The Pope regretted that, instead of being a tool for unity and understanding, communication often generates “fear and despair, prejudice and resentment, fanaticism, and even hatred.”
He criticized social media algorithms that, according to him, distort our perception of reality by simplifying it in such a way that they provoke instinctive reactions. “The word is used like a dagger,” he warned, underlining how false or manipulated information is used to incite hatred and division.
These statements by the Pope come in a context of growing concern about the role of social media in spreading misinformation.
The use of X, the platform owned by Elon Musk, has recently been questioned for its alleged spread of fake news and its impact on public debate in Europe. The situation has led several institutions and public figures to abandon or pause their activity on the social network.
The Pope also referred to Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, which has raised concern after announcing the end of its data verification program in the US.
This change will be replaced by a system that provides context notes similar to those used by X, which has raised criticism about the reliability of information on these platforms.
In his speech, Pope Francis quoted Martin Luther King and raised another alarming phenomenon: the “programmed dispersion of attention” caused by digital systems. According to him, these systems not only shape users according to market logic but also alter our perception of reality.
On January 9, the Pontiff had already expressed his concern about the proliferation of “false news” and warned about the dangers of artificial intelligence when used to “manipulate consciences.”
His message is an urgent call to reflect on the role of digital media and platforms in our society today, urging everyone to seek truer and more constructive communication.
Autor: MLM
