In a recent interview, Colombian novelist and columnist Juan Gabriel Vásquez discusses the release of his new book, 'Esto ha sucedido', which compiles five years of his opinion pieces published in EL PAÍS. Vásquez expresses a bittersweet sentiment towards this collection, viewing it as a confirmation of his pessimistic observations over the years. He draws attention to alarming trends in society such as the rise of misinformation on social media and the actions of authoritarian figures like Donald Trump, which aim to undermine journalistic credibility.

Vásquez highlights the empowerment of short slogans on social media, which often gain more traction than substantive essays. He underscores the challenge faced by serious journalism in engaging audiences who may find quick sound bites more persuasive than intricate opinion pieces. This disparity raises important questions about the future of media and the role of detailed journalism in a landscape increasingly dominated by fleeting, often misleading information.

Despite his concerns, Vásquez advocates for the importance of opinion journalism in fostering critical thinking and articulating nuanced perspectives on pressing societal issues. He argues that while the landscape may be shifting, the necessity for informed discourse remains as critical as ever, particularly in an era when citizens must navigate complex truths.