Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) presents opportunities in higher education, although limitations are also recognized. This research explores the perceptions of Ibero-American teachers regarding the possibilities, potentialities, and limitations of using GenAI, specifically in the teaching of social sciences, in relation to pedagogical, ethical, and institutional factors. The methodology used is qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven university experts from Spain, Chile, Peru, and Ecuador with experience in education, communication, and social sciences. The findings reveal that teachers are in the early stages of adopting GenAI, marked by generational and attitudinal heterogeneity. Although some teachers use it instrumentally, there remains a gap between technical use and critical pedagogical integration. The main obstacles include a lack of systematic training, absent institutional frameworks, obsolete evaluation models, and ethical concerns. Furthermore, there is tension between proactive positions and technophobic resistance. The integration of GenAI requires overcoming instrumental visions and building critical, ethical, and humanistic educational ecosystems. There is an urgent need for institutional policies that promote media literacy, cross-curricular reforms, and collective spaces for experimentation.

Cybersecurity in journalism is established for the protection of information, the safeguarding of sources and digital and physical protection. The implementation of these processes in Ecuador is still deficient and journalism is a proactive agent in cyberspace, therefore, digital security becomes one of the guarantees of freedom of expression, access to information and protection of private data. Digitization sets the tone for being on the brink of digital chaos or moving to a state of permanent alertness. The study focuses on two objectives: to know what tools and procedures are applied by journalists for the protection of personal data and sensitive documents, and to evaluate the strategies applied for the safeguarding and protection of data, reinforcing security against malicious intrusions at both hardware and software levels. A mixed methodology is applied, with surveys to journalists and semi-structured interviews to experts.

Background: As digital competencies become essential for labour market integration, universities must continuously adapt their curricula to prevent a disconnect between academic training and industry demands. Objective: This study evaluates the perceptions of students, alumni, industry experts, and youth leaders regarding the modernisation of communication education—specifically in strategic and transmedia communication—at the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Ecuador, within its distance and online learning modalities. Methodology: A mixed-methods approach was employed, utilising surveys for students and alumni alongside semi-structured interviews with experts and youth leaders. Data were collected between January and March 2025 using non-probability convenience sampling via a "snowball" distribution dynamic. The study incorporated a content analysis of existing curricula and a longitudinal comparison with 2021 data to identify evolving academic interests. Results: Findings identify digital communication, social media, transmedia, marketing, and organisational communication as critical areas for reinforcement. Alumni noted a significant gap between theoretical training and professional practice. Students identified digital media production, marketing, and sustainability-focused communication as the most promising career sectors. Experts highlighted the absence of local transmedia benchmarks in Ecuador, suggesting an opportunity to develop new communication logics. Meanwhile, youth leaders emphasised the high consumption of social media while affirming the professional value of communication. Conclusion: The study underscores an urgent need for practical training through organisational partnerships, media engagement, and entrepreneurship. It concludes that student preferences have shifted toward transmedia and strategic communication, with an apparent demand for applied, rather than purely theoretical, pedagogical models. Unique Contribution: This research provides a roadmap for curriculum reform in emerging communication fields. It advocates integrating Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and ethical frameworks into future academic offerings to ensure that graduates are equipped to navigate the complexities of the global digital economy.

Las ciudades latinoamericanas han experimentado una transformación en sus narrativas urbanas a través de medios digitales. Esta investigación compara las narraciones presentes en reportajes gráficos y pódcast, en las ciudades de Bogotá, Guayaquil y San Salvador, publicados en redes sociales de mayor visualización entre enero de 2024 y junio de 2025. El estudio se fundamenta en la hipótesis de que los formatos audiovisuales contemporáneos reconfiguran las representaciones de creatividad urbana, generando nuevos paradigmas que reflejan las identidades culturales, desafíos sociales y potencialidades creativas de cada contexto metropolitano. El propósito es identificar cómo las producciones aportan fortalezas para enfrentar las dificultades y proponer soluciones a los riegos de inseguridad pública. Se emplea una metodología mixta, que aplica entrevistas y análisis de contenido. Los reportajes gráficos son especializados, mientras que los pódcast ofrecen una experiencia inmersiva. Comprender estas diferencias ayuda a creadores de contenido e investigadores a aprovechar las fortalezas de cada.

IntroductionElectoral disinformation reinforced by generative artificial intelligence (AI) constitutes a threat to democracies by undermining public trust and misleading citizens. In Ecuador, this phenomenon is exacerbated by weak regulatory frameworks and gaps in media and information literacy (MIL), particularly among vulnerable groups such as rural inhabitants, women, and older adults, owing to their limited critical competencies. The aim of this research is to analyse how MIL levels among vulnerable population groups in Ecuador condition their exposure to, and responses to, AI-generated electoral disinformation, with reference to the 2025 presidential elections. The case of Ecuador is relevant because the challenges posed by AI-generated electoral disinformation are not unique to Ecuador; they are common throughout Latin America, as are institutional fragility and polarisation.MethodologyA mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative methods was employed, with a descriptive and explanatory scope, executed through a survey of 405 participants, 12 semi-structured interviews with experts, and six focus group discussions with 35 participants representing heterogeneous profiles. The analysis included descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests and correlations, alongside qualitative thematic analysis.ResultsThe findings reveal a high perceived impact of disinformation on democratic trust, though not on individual voting decisions. A significant correlation was confirmed between the capacity to identify AI-generated content and the valuation of MIL as a mitigation mechanism. Rural groups and older adults exhibited greater limitations in detecting disinformation, whilst women were found to be subject to increasing digital political violence of a gendered nature through manipulated content.Discussion and conclusionsLow MIL levels facilitate the spread and impact of AI-generated electoral disinformation, creating an environment of differentiated vulnerability. A cascade perception model was identified, whereby recognition of informational harm activates demand for institutional regulation. MIL consolidates itself as an appropriate strategy, though insufficient without corresponding regulatory frameworks and effective multi-sectoral coordination. It is concluded that the strengthening of media competencies is indispensable for protecting electoral integrity in contexts of digital innovation.

Based on the recognition that digital skills training is essential to prevent graduates of communication careers from losing contact with the demands of the labour market, the purpose of this research is to identify the prospects for future studies related to transmedia and strategic communication on the part of students, professionals and media managers to determine the opportunities that arise for education in Ecuador. The case study is taken as a case study of students and graduates of the communication career of the Universidad Tecnica Particular de Loja (UTPL) in distance and online study mode in Ecuador. The research uses a mixed qualitative and quantitative methodology. Surveys and semi-structured interviews were conducted. Among the results, it is mentioned that graduates emphasized the need to focus on digital communication and transmedia narratives. Employers prioritize skills in artificial intelligence tools and content creation. It is concluded that students' preferences leaned toward primarily practical transmedia and strategic communication. Future curricula should incorporate big data, artificial intelligence and ethical considerations in digital communication.

Disinformation poses a substantive challenge to democratic governance, particularly in contexts marked by foreign influence. While the broadcasting of Russia Today (RT) in Europe has received significant attention, comparatively little is known about its impact and audience reception in Latin America. This study addresses this gap by analysing Ecuadorians’ perceptions and uptake of RT’s broadcast narratives during a period of acute economic and security crisis. The objectives are (1) to establish the news narratives presented on RT, (2) to identify citizens’ perceptions of the news narratives, and (3) to determine the uptake of the narratives. A mixed methodological approach is undertaken, including narrative analysis of three audiovisual news pieces published by RT in Spanish, a survey, and three online focus groups. The results reveal the deployment of sophisticated narrative strategies that mix information with unsubstantiated claims and emotional appeals, resulting in a discernible bias favouring Russian perspectives. The findings underscore the urgency of strengthening media literacy and public policy responses in Latin America to counter the internalisation of such narratives. In addition, the research contributes to debates on information security, democratic resilience, and the protection of public opinion in vulnerable environments.

IntroductionThis research analyses Ecuadorians’ perceptions of the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the dissemination of disinformation during the 2025 presidential elections. In light of the growing use of synthetic technologies in political campaigns, it examines the impact of AI on electoral integrity, public trust and the need for regulation.MethodologyMixed explanatory approach, based on two surveys (n = 201 and n = 64), nine semi-structured interviews with experts after the elections, five pre-election interviews, and sentiment analysis of open-ended responses. Data were collected between November 2024 and July 2025 and analysed using chi-square tests, association coefficients and qualitative coding.ResultsParticipants perceive that AI-generated disinformation influenced the outcome of the presidential election. There is broad public support for regulating the use of AI in election campaigns, although debates persist about regulatory mechanisms and models. The use of AI did not increase trust in candidates or in the legitimacy of the electoral process. Sentiment analysis reveals widespread concern, mistrust, and fear, along with a demand for transparency, digital literacy, and institutional action.DiscussionAI poses a structural risk to democracy by facilitating information manipulation on a massive scale and with a high degree of realism. Evidence confirms that, without a robust regulatory framework, these technologies will continue to be instruments of political delegitimisation.ConclusionThe solution does not lie in banning AI, but in its ethical and transparent regulation. There is an urgent need for a regulatory framework led by the National Electoral Council that establishes labelling obligations, penalties for disinformation and verification mechanisms. Regulation must be coordinated with media literacy policies and the participation of multiple actors to ensure free, fair and informed elections.

The purpose of this research is to determine whether the news information about the indigenous strike that took place in 2022 in Ecuador, and was broadcast by various media, included positive aspects and solution-focused narratives, presenting a complete picture of reality. The declassified information from Google search is used as input for the observation and analysis of news related to the indigenous strike, considering the significant value of information. The qualitative methodology is employed through an extended observation sheet to study the verification of information with the confirmation of the medium, date, and authorship; the trace and type of sources used (public, private, data, documents, off the record), as well as the origin of the information and its narrative. These matters lead to determining in the analyzed information which characters played key roles, the intentionality, and the effects that the event generated in the country.

OBJECTIVE:To describe the sexual practices and behaviour towards HIV infection among Ecuadorian university students. METHODS:This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study carried out between February 2019 and August 2020 among university students from all over the country. Students aged 18 years and older of each participating institution were contacted by an official email account and invited to fill out a survey through Google Forms. RESULTS:Data from a total of 5677 sexually active participants were analysed. The majority were female (57.1%), 48.7% corresponded to the age range 18-20 years and nearly half studied in the field of health. Only 28.5% (n=1612) mentioned having ever been tested for HIV at least once. Regarding sexual behaviour, the vast majority reported having only one partner in the last 2 months. Condom use during the 'last' sexual contact was significantly lower in the never tested group (33.5% vs 43.3%, p<0.0001, respectively). Having a higher number of ever or current sexual partners (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.13) and not using a condom (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.82) were significantly related to having an HIV test performed. More than half of the participants indicated that they took the HIV test as part of their routine control, and nearly half mentioned not taking it because they felt sure they were free of HIV. CONCLUSIONS:Behaviour towards testing for HIV in university students was related to their risky sexual practices and behaviour. Prevention campaigns focused on the general population as well as at-risk populations, including university students, are needed to curb the escalating incidence of HIV in Ecuador.

Este estudio explora cómo el formato podcast transforma la tradición oral ecuatoriana en una herramienta eficaz para preservar el patrimonio cultural inmaterial. Enfocado en las provincias de Loja y Cotopaxi, se seleccionó diez relatos mediante muestreo aleatorio simple, los cuales fueron adaptados a guiones radiofónicos y producidos como episodios de podcast. El proceso incluyó las fases de preproducción, producción, posproducción y difusión en plataformas como Spotify y Wix. Los resultados destacan que el podcast recupera tradiciones, fortalece la identidad cultural y aumenta la audiencia. Además, se identificaron retos como la fragmentación de relatos y la integración de tecnologías emergentes.

In Ecuador, the training of communicators/journalists has been taking place since 1940 and the university offer has been demanding; however, the profession has not been able to overcome the multioccupation, lack of independence and de-professionalization that affects the sector. Influencing factors are the accelerated technological implementation and the loss of value of the university as the only training entity. Therefore, this study aims to understand how the training process has changed mainly with the incorporation of AI. Semi-structured interviews directed to academic directors of communication careers linked to the public, co-financed and private sector in Ecuador are used. The guidelines for analysis: basic lines of training and the contribution of academic offerings, the importance and validity of the professional degree in the face of technological trends and causes of declining enrollment. The results obtained indicate that digitalization has produced a gap in the curricula, and in the absence of a degree for professional practice, the career of communicator and its variants is no longer attractive in the world of work. Enrollment rates have declined. Finally, academic experts agree that professional opportunities are diverse, but depend on factors such as the market, the Internet and others.

Introducción: La industria del entretenimiento a lo largo de los años ha experimentado una evolución significativa y sobre todo por la adaptación tecnológica con el uso de herramientas, formatos, plataformas y redes sociales, que han transformado la manera en cómo se produce y consume el entretenimiento. Por ello, se plantea indagar sobre las experiencias de creación de contenidos para plataformas, contadas por emprendedores locales. Metodología: La metodología empleada es de corte mixto a través de entrevistas semiestructuras aplicadas a productores con las siguientes directrices: la idea y el modelo de negocio, aspectos técnicos y económicos y la importancia de las métricas, extracción que se realiza con Fanpagekarma y Meta Buisness. Resultados: Los datos revelan que las iniciativas de producción de ficción nacen de la experimentación y pruebas de contenido hasta consolidarse como un modelo de negocio rentable, mientras que los contenidos de proximidad leyendas urbanas se ralentizan en el mercado de la producción del entretenimiento. Conclusiones: Las métricas juegan un papel importante para la sostenibilidad económica de los emprendimientos locales dedicados a producir series de reflexión y leyendas urbanas. Se considera importante la cantidad de contenidos difundidos, el género, el cómo se cuente la historia y los personajes.

La desinformación se multiplica a través de redes sociales, en muchos bulos se aprecian intereses de Rusia, al extremo que EE. UU. y la Unión Europea califican a RT y Sputnik como medios de circulación de falsedades. En esta investigación se pretende identificar las desinformaciones generadas por RT y Sputnik relacionadas con Ecuador en medios audiovisuales y redes sociales. La metodología es cualitativa y cuantitativa, de alcance descriptivo. Se evidencia que la desinformación rusa está presente en el país, sobre todo online. Es importante la alfabetización mediática y abrir un debate sobre regulación que promueva la libertad de expresión.