Seeking to understand the dynamics of information dissemination and consumption in Latin America, InternetLab, in partnership with the Social Knowledge Network (ReCoS), launches the research “Vectors and Implications of Information Disorder in Latin America.” The study details users’ relationships with digital platforms, their perceptions regarding the reliability of information sources, and strategies to combat disinformation.

The research is part of the project Resisting Information Disorder in the Global South, funded by the IDRC and coordinated by Stellenbosch University, with partners in Asia, MENA, and Africa — InternetLab leads the studies conducted in Latin America.

The executive summary, highlighting the main findings, is available online. The full report is accessible only in portuguese.

The quantitative data collection included over 6,000 responses from people across 19 countries. In addition, virtual workshops were held for qualitative analysis, along with meetings with an advisory board of Latin American experts in fields such as political communication, network studies, and digital rights.

To ensure robust interpretations of the collected data, responses were divided into five territorial groupings: (i) Brazil; (ii) Southern Cone — comprising Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay; (iii) Andes/Amazon — comprising Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Bolivia; (iv) Central America — Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Panama, and Puerto Rico; and (v) Mexico.

The results point to widespread distrust, fueled by the large volume of content and the difficulty of verifying the truthfulness of information. In response, users rely on their own trusted networks and “sources,” building their own informational ecosystems. See below for other research highlights:

Platform usage

Meta’s platforms are the most widely used in Latin America, led by WhatsApp, followed by Facebook and Instagram. Google platforms — YouTube and its search engine — come next. Brazil and the Southern Cone stand out for higher YouTube use (83% and 82%, respectively), while Central America shows a preference for TikTok (71%).

Information consumption dynamics

In Latin America, the most used platforms for news consumption differ significantly among territorial groups. Google and Instagram dominate in Brazil, while Facebook prevails in the Andean/Amazon, Central American, and Mexican regions. Central America also stands out for using TikTok for news consumption.

Information sharing on platforms

Facebook is the platform where people most report sharing news across Latin America, though usage varies: it is lower in Brazil (31%) and higher in Mexico (69%). In Brazil, WhatsApp and Instagram are more common for sharing news, while in Central America and the Andean/Amazon regions, TikTok plays a larger role in news sharing than in other areas.

Information consumption patterns

Information consumption in Latin America is multimedia and multiplatform: 7 out of 10 respondents use different media sources to stay informed, seeking additional information on websites, platforms, TV, or radio after encountering it elsewhere.

Perceptions on how relevant topics are addressed

There is widespread distrust regarding the information circulating in the media. More than half of respondents believe that a large portion of the news is false — in Brazil, this perception is even stronger when it comes to election-related topics. This distrust stems from the perception that there are multiple forms of distortion in how information circulates.

Trusted sources

In general, professionals and experts are viewed as the most trustworthy sources on topics such as public safety, politics, and public health. Brazil stands out for showing higher levels of trust in close contacts — family and friends — and even in oneself: about 1.5 in every 10 respondents consider themselves reliable to speak about such topics.

Information consumption habits

Across Latin America, half of respondents prefer to get informed through online platforms, associating them with the speed of access to news. Additionally, 7 out of 10 view them as a way to verify the accuracy of information, and 8 out of 10 value their ability to access opinions absent from traditional media.

Trust in the media

Search engines are considered the most reliable media, with one-third of Latin American respondents saying they trust them for almost all topics. Next come traditional media — radio, print newspapers, and TV — with 25% saying they trust them for all topics. Still, some respondents trust digital media more, as they believe it contains information not disclosed by major news outlets.

Verification strategie

Users value the ease of access to information that allows them to verify the truthfulness of content within its own context. The presence of fact-checking labels prevents people from sharing disinformative content: nearly two-thirds say they do not share content labeled as false by platforms. Additionally, comment sections on posts are also used as a form of verification.

Attitudes toward platform regulation

Four in ten people in Latin America support some type of platform regulation, though opinions vary according to political orientation. Among those on the left, support is greater — especially for regulation through law. Among those on the right, opposition predominates, particularly to government-led regulation. Centrists are more divided: about half support some regulation, though resistance grows when the regulator is the government.

The executive summary includes charts and a more detailed reading of the main findings.