Orbán stifled free media; we see the same here, the greatest victim is doubt in truth

The media landscape in Hungary, as analyzed by N1 Serbia through the insights of media theorist Ana Martinoli, presents a deeply concerning picture of democratic erosion. Martinoli highlights how Viktor Orbán's government has systematically stifled free and professional media, creating a "pro-government media ecosystem" that mirrors tactics seen elsewhere, including potentially in Serbia.

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Orban has completely subjugated the public service. The public service is a particularly big cancer, a medium regulated by a special law, with a special function in society, it does not have to worry about the market as much as about the interests of the citizens. What Orban has done, we see here, the creation of a suitable media ecosystem. Free, professional media are being suffocated, we have seen that both there and here.

Martinoli points to the alarming use of artificial intelligence in political campaigns, citing a 600-page document generated by AI and presented as a genuine election program. Despite denials, the government allegedly used this fabricated document to organize public discussions and even distribute questionnaires, manipulating public opinion through sophisticated disinformation. This manipulation, she argues, is amplified by the speed and scale at which AI-generated propaganda can now spread, making it increasingly difficult for citizens to discern truth from falsehood.

A significant concern raised is the concentration of powerful AI tools in the hands of those with the most financial and political influence. This dynamic disadvantages smaller political parties and independent media, who lack the resources to compete with state-sponsored or well-funded propaganda machines. The "capture" of traditional media, particularly public service broadcasters, is identified as a critical issue, as these outlets are meant to serve the public interest but instead often function as government mouthpieces.

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The greatest victim is the fact that we are starting to doubt even what is true. We are starting to question everything. The goal is much more to convince people to believe in nothing, than to start believing in something.

The most profound consequence, according to Martinoli, is the "greatest victim": the public's ability to trust information. When citizens are constantly bombarded with sophisticated disinformation, they begin to question everything, even verifiable truths. The goal, she suggests, shifts from persuading people to believe something specific to convincing them to believe in nothing at all. This pervasive skepticism is a hallmark of authoritarian control, undermining the very foundation of informed public discourse and democratic participation. The Hungarian example serves as a stark warning about the future of media and democracy in the digital age.

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This is a whole manipulative action based on artificial intelligence that has completely spilled over into the real political world and real lives.