The history of disinformation: from mass sensationalism to algorithmic post-truth

Abstract

Disinformation is not a phenomenon exclusive to the present day. From the emergence of mass media in the 19th century to the consolidation of digital platforms, the deliberate creation of false, distorted, or incomplete narratives has accompanied every technological transformation. This study provides a historical examination of the techniques and dynamics of disinformation, considering the material, political, and communicative conditions that have facilitated its spread in various contexts. Based on an exploratory bibliographic and documentary review, it analyses the evolution of different forms of disinformation, from classic propaganda in the early mass media to today's digital environments marked by the logic of virtualization, the attention economy, and algorithmic opacity. From a qualitative perspective, a comparative analysis is presented based on a systematic review of the literature, which enables the establishment of a chronology of the forms, objectives, and effects of disinformation over time. The results obtained make it possible to overcome reductionist explanations focused solely on social media and offer a broader historical understanding of the phenomenon. They also provide a solid foundation for promoting more in-depth media literacy and public intervention proposals. In conclusion, disinformation should not be understood solely as a problem of false content, but as a functional component of modern media systems, reflecting the structural tensions between power, technology, and knowledge.