Throughout history, those in power have always influenced political, economic, and social decisions. They were close to power, had resources, and knew how to pull the strings. However, there was a fundamental counterweight: the press.
For decades, newspapers and journalists acted as watchdogs of power, uncovering abuses, investigating corruption, and offering a more balanced perspective. That is why it was rightly called the fourth estate.
But that balance has been broken. Today, the landscape has completely changed, and never before have the powerful had so much leeway to manipulate, direct, or shape public opinion to their advantage. Today, the fourth estate is diluted in the digital noise.
The traditional press continues to exist, yes, but its influence has declined. Social media, viral videos, podcasts, and digital platforms have become the true public square. And in this new territory, the rules are very different.
Rigor, verification, and context no longer matter. Today, the algorithm reigns supreme: a machine designed not to inform, but to maximize profits. Everything is measured in clicks, viewing time, and the ability to engage the user. Truthfulness takes a back seat.
And most disturbingly, these platforms are controlled by very few people: millionaires who can decide on changes to moderation policies, promote certain content, or block other content. Their interest is not the truth, but their own profit.
What we see on social media is not a spontaneous reflection of society. It is, to a large extent, the result of a system that amplifies certain messages and buries others.
With money, time, and strategy, any organized group can flood the internet with its "news," its narratives, and its interests. Bots—automated or semi-automated accounts—multiply messages, create a sense of consensus, and spread misinformation.
When these campaigns are effective, ordinary users end up repeating these ideas without realizing they originate from an invisible machine. This creates fertile ground for sowing doubt about essential issues: public ethics, democracy, science, health, and climate change.
The case of climate change is a clear example. An analysis cited by The Guardian, based on Yale studies, indicated that eight of the ten most popular online programs in the world disseminate climate change denial messages.
This is no coincidence. Enormous economic interests are at play, especially those of the oil sector, which is eager to hinder the energy transition. When millions of people hear only these kinds of messages, collective perception becomes distorted.
And a poorly informed society is an easily manipulated society.
Fortunately, rigorous media outlets still exist, with committed journalists and robust verification processes. The Guardian, for example, continues to maintain an independent editorial line that prioritizes quality information. The same is true for other international newspapers and some national ones.
But their voice is lost in an ocean of digital noise, rife with half-truths, opinions disguised as facts, and propaganda camouflaged as entertainment.
The problem isn't just what's published. The problem is that most people no longer distinguish between information, opinion, and manipulation. And a society lulled to sleep is easier to control.
Information overload has created a fatigued citizenry. People believe they are informed because they consume content continuously, but in reality, they receive a constant stream of ideas selected by algorithms that serve very specific interests.
And a society that doesn't think critically is easier to steer toward the interests of those with resources, influence, or political power.
That's why the question is so pertinent: Where is the fourth estate that used to balance the system?
Perhaps it exists, but it's heard less and less. And without it, democracy and critical thinking weaken.
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