Navigating Truth in an Era of Disinformation

In a world where information and disinformation circulate at unprecedented speeds, Cubans face growing challenges in distinguishing truth from falsehood. This situation, while not new, has intensified with the expansion of internet access across the island, creating what officials describe as an information battleground amid economic crisis and political polarization.

The recent explosion in mobile internet availability, now reaching approximately three-quarters of the Cuban population, has effectively ended the state’s monopoly on information. However, this digital revolution arrived with little preparation in media literacy for citizens accustomed to consuming news primarily through state-controlled channels.

“Emergency situations foster disinformation because human beings think less effectively in situations of stress, fear, and uncertainty,” explains Sergio Hernández of EFE Verifica, noting how Cuba’s ongoing energy crisis creates perfect conditions for rumors to flourish.

The spread of unverified information through social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook often outpaces official fact-checking efforts. Experts point to cognitive tendencies that prioritize speed over accuracy in information processing, especially during times of crisis.

Researcher Sara García Santamaría highlights another critical factor: “The credibility of a news story depends not on the facts, but on who publishes it.” This phenomenon reflects powerful confirmation biases among readers, who tend to trust sources that align with their existing beliefs.

The situation worsens when official sources remain silent or slow to respond to developing events, creating information vacuums quickly filled by speculation and rumors on social networks. These gaps in official reporting particularly occur during perceived negative developments.

Cuban authorities frame their battle against disinformation within a historical context dating back to 1959’s “Operation Truth,” launched by Fidel Castro to counter international criticism of revolutionary trials. Today’s government continues this approach, presenting information management as a matter of national sovereignty against external influence.

The U.S. economic embargo features prominently in official discourse, characterized not just as a source of material hardship but also as what officials call the “fundamental matrix” for media manipulation campaigns. According to this perspective, legitimate economic difficulties are deliberately amplified by foreign-funded media outlets to construct a narrative of governmental failure.

For ordinary Cubans, practical barriers complicate information verification. Unlike citizens in many other countries, Cubans lack access to independent fact-checking services or specialized verification platforms. Those attempting to verify information independently face multiple obstacles, including limited and expensive internet access that restricts consultation of diverse sources.

Many international fact-checking platforms and alternative media sources remain difficult to access from within Cuba, and the country lacks widespread formal education in media and digital literacy. This creates a challenging environment for citizens attempting to exercise sound informational judgment.

Communication experts suggest several approaches to address these challenges. Critical media literacy education from an early age would help future generations navigate complex information landscapes. More proactive, transparent, and agile government communication could fill information gaps before rumors take hold. The development of accessible fact-checking tools, even within state media structures, would provide citizens with reliable verification resources.

The dual challenge facing Cubans involves navigating the same disinformation-rich digital environment that confronts people worldwide, but doing so within what officials describe as a context of economic pressure and existential media conflict.

While official discourse emphasizes trust in institutions, experts stress that empowering citizens requires developing critical thinking skills, accessible verification tools, and more dynamic communication channels. Only through such comprehensive approaches can Cubans become active participants in discerning reliable information amid competing narratives.