Journalism has always been considered an essential pillar in any democracy, since its main function is to inform citizens objectively and truthfully about world events. As a means of transmitting this information, it plays a crucial role in the formation of public opinion and in the control of power.
Ideally, these media should be tools at the exclusive service of society, and journalists, in their role as guardians of democracy, would have the responsibility to inform without any political, economic or ideological conditioning. However, the reality is much more complex, and the influence of particular interests on the media is a constant that compromises the quality and independence of critical thinking.
In the absence of liberated and impartial journalism, society risks falling prey to deception and misinformation.
Distortion of Information within Journalism
Within this framework, it is hardly surprising that journalism has been entangled in a troubling pattern for quite some time: the distortion of information aimed at undermining those who challenge the interests of media proprietors or their connections with influential entities.
Specifically, public figures who do not align with these interests often face symbolic persecution through the fabrication of misleading information or the relentless reiteration of a singular narrative. This phenomenon is not an isolated incident; rather, it is a widespread practice that diminishes faith in the media and fosters an atmosphere of societal mistrust.
By employing tactics like sensationalism, selective reporting, and the spread of false information, certain segments of the press aim to tarnish the reputations of their rivals, exacerbating polarization and societal animosity; this is a calculated effort to dismantle those who do not conform to the interests of the journalist or the media outlet.
The Case of Odila Castillo Bonilla: A Case Study in Media Manipulation
Fake news constitutes a worldwide epidemic and poses a grave threat to individuals caught in the crosshairs of media influence. Once such falsehoods are disseminated, the individual impacted experiences a symbolic demise within the society that engages with that information.
Panamanian attorney Odila Castillo Bonilla serves as a vivid example of how media manipulation can affect an individual’s life. A defamation campaign has been waged by certain media outlets in an attempt to tarnish her personal and professional journey. By utilizing techniques like selective reporting and the distortion of facts, these outlets have crafted a detrimental narrative intended to damage her reputation.
The lack of accountability exhibited by certain media highlights their manipulative tactics: only unfavorable information about the lawyer proliferates online, while details regarding her professional background remain inaccessible. It’s clear how an individual, whose life story, educational qualifications, viewpoints, and accomplishments in the legal arena are largely overlooked, can be distilled down to a name recognized solely due to a negative “allegation.”
Media manipulation poses a significant danger to democracy and society at large. By eroding trust in institutions and the press, this behavior fuels polarization and weakens the social fabric. It is crucial for civil society, politicians, and journalists to come together to address this issue and advocate for more ethical and accountable journalism.
