Breathe
By Ivania Mazari
In the digital era it is common to find ourselves caught between disinformation and truthfulness. During election season this constant flow of opposing data and discourses intensifies. News, social networks and digital media bombard us with an avalanche of messages, propaganda and promises. But how can we discern between what is true and what is not? How do we make informed decisions in this election amidst this storm of contradictory realities?
Being well informed is crucial, but it can also be overwhelming. In the past, political control caused limited availability of information and facilitated the formation of biases. Today, however, we are just a few clicks away from the answers. We are now inundated with an overwhelming amount of data, opinions and news. In many cases, the challenge has shifted from searching for information to knowing how to digest it, filter it and turn it into something useful and reliable.
Recently, at a dinner party where we were alternating conversations like a ping pong game, a friend commented that she was happy to see how, finally, the campaigns are putting more emphasis on the problems faced by women and that the gender labor gap has narrowed. However, while we may all have a preconceived image of the challenges and achievements of government, perception does not always match the facts. For example, although we think that women are increasingly present in the labor market, on average, we only represent 40% of the economically active population in the states. In addition, the wage gap (the difference between what men and women earn) has increased.
In this sea of information we don't always know who to trust or what to believe. Fake news and malicious attacks between parties and candidates spread quickly. This affects us all, from family chat rooms to well-known and experienced journalists. The confusion is understandable. In the face of this situation, it is critical to exercise skills such as critical thinking and fact-checking. Fortunately, we are not alone in this task; there are tools designed to counteract the negative effects of electoral infodemia.
A reliable source for staying informed is the State Competitiveness Index 2024 of the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness (IMCO). This report allows us to evaluate the performance of the states, but especially of those where governorships or heads of government are elected, as well as their capacities to guarantee the wellbeing of their citizens.
For example, Mexico City stands out in the area of education, being the entity with the highest educational coverage and the highest average level of schooling. It also has the largest hospital bed infrastructure and the highest number of medical and nursing personnel in proportion to its population. However, it is one of the three entities with the highest infant mortality rate.
The state of Chiapas has the best performance in morbidity from respiratory diseases and a low average cost of state debt. However, it is also the state with the lowest average income of full-time workers. Guanajuato, on the other hand, has the highest number of patents and a diversified economy, complemented by its high performance in economic complexity, but is the fourth state with the lowest perception of safety.
Although Jalisco excels in the diversification of its economy and a high level of patent registration, it is one of the ten entities with the lowest percentage of the population that feels safe. Another entity in elections and with public safety problems is Morelos, ranking as the entity with the second highest homicide rate.
Puebla has a relatively low level of indebtedness as a percentage of its income and is among the first places in the participation of economically active women. Nevertheless, it is the entity with the highest rate of vehicle theft. Similarly, Tabasco showsa moderate level of indebtedness, as well as good levels of citizen participation. Despite these achievements, it is the fourth state with the lowest rate of foreign direct investment.
Veracruz, on the other hand, is the fourth entity with the lowest income gap by gender. However, it has the third lowest educational coverage. In contrast, Yucatán has an outstanding performance in security, especially for its low rate of vehicle theft and homicides. However, it is the second entity with the second highest rate of injuries in land traffic accidents.
Being informed is essential, but so is the ability to discern. Don't get swept away by the tide of data; maintain a critical spirit and interest in the truth. Let's make informed decisions and work to ensure that Election Day is backed by facts, not alternative data. It is always good to discuss public issues and have an opinion, but as U.S. Senator Patrick Moynihan said, "everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but not their own facts."
*IMCO's Evaluation and Analysis Coordinator
She served as advisor to the Audit Committee of CFE: Basic Services Supply and was a consultant for several civil society organizations.
She is co-author of the study "The puzzle of Financial Inclusion in Mexico: A Closeable Gap?" published by the Center for Global Development. She has published several articles on health, inequality, urban development, among others. She has also lectured on competitiveness, energy and methodologies for data collection and analysis.
The opinions expressed are the responsibility of the authors and are absolutely independent of the position and editorial line of the company. Opinion 51.
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