Fact Check: "57% of Spaniards see politicians as the main source of disinformation."
What We Know
The claim that "57% of Spaniards see politicians as the main source of disinformation" is supported by data from the 2025 Digital News Report published by the Reuters Institute. This report indicates that a significant portion of the Spanish population identifies politicians as a primary source of disinformation, reflecting growing concerns about the integrity of political communication in Spain. The report highlights a broader trend of declining trust in media and political figures, which has been exacerbated by recent corruption scandals involving high-profile politicians, including the current Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez (source-2).
Analysis
While the statistic appears to be accurate, it is essential to evaluate the context and reliability of the source. The Reuters Institute is a reputable organization known for its research on media and journalism, which lends credibility to the findings presented in the Digital News Report. However, the interpretation of the data can vary, and the report does not provide detailed methodology on how the survey was conducted, which is crucial for assessing the reliability of the claim.
Moreover, the perception of politicians as a source of disinformation may be influenced by recent political events and scandals, such as the ongoing corruption issues within the Spanish government (source-2). This context suggests that public sentiment may be particularly sensitive to political actions and statements, leading to a heightened perception of disinformation emanating from political figures.
Additionally, other sources, such as a report from Surin English, corroborate the claim by indicating that a similar percentage of respondents attribute the responsibility for fake news to national politicians. This consistency across multiple reports strengthens the validity of the claim but also highlights the need for further research into the underlying factors contributing to this perception.
Conclusion
Needs Research. While the claim that "57% of Spaniards see politicians as the main source of disinformation" is supported by credible sources, the context surrounding this statistic requires further exploration. The influence of recent political scandals and the methodologies used in surveys must be examined to fully understand the implications of this finding. Additionally, the broader societal and media landscape in Spain should be considered to assess how these perceptions may evolve over time.
Sources
- Checking OCD: How to Stop Double-Checking Everything - Simply Psychology
- New corruption scandal, same old story? Why Spanish ...
- Checking OCD: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
- Spain
- OCD and Checking: Better Safe Than Sorry - Psychology Today
- Regional newspapers are the media source most trusted ...
- Understanding and Overcoming Checking OCD - OCD & anxiety
- Overview and key findings of the 2025 Digital News Report