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Disinformation has become a core concept in communications research, related to media, technological and political phenomena that complexify its definition and diagnosis. Although its approach has been mainly quantitative, focus groups have also been used to understand the perception of the audience of this particular issue. This research is part of this second group of studies, and attempts to investigate the notions and discourses on disinformation in the case of Spain. For this purpose, seven discussion groups were conducted, with a structural sample constructed according to employment situation, ideology and age. The results show a perception of the communicative ecosystem structured in two chronological poles, which contrasts a past of reduced information supply – associated with traditional media – with a current informational environment where there is more media diversity, but also less trust in them. The groups point to the overabundance of information and associated disinformation with decontextualisation, low-quality journalism and the economic and political interests of different actors. Discourses outline a scenario of decline in journalism and the public sphere, which is perceived as polarised and emotional. Disinformation is therefore perceived as a multidimensional phenomenon that is associated with issues of major democratic transcendence rather than merely sending hoaxes through the Internet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lengthy economic crisis that has been affecting Spain for over half a decade now has influenced the way in which Spaniards relate to consumption, not only in terms of spending but also in their very perception of the same. This article aims to explore the most recent social discourse regarding this issue in Spain, based on an empirical qualitative research study. To do so, data collected from a number of focus groups held during the first quarter of 2014 has been analyzed and discussed. Results reveal not only widespread saving practices, but also criticism of the idea that "we have lived beyond our means". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lengthy economic crisis that has been affecting Spain for over half a decade now has influenced the way in which Spaniards relate to consumption, not only in terms of spending but also in their very perception of the same. This article aims to explore the most recent social discourse regarding this issue in Spain, based on an empirical qualitative research study. To do so, data collected from a number of focus groups held during the first quarter of 2014 has been analyzed and discussed. Results reveal not only widespread saving practices, but also criticism of the idea that "we have lived beyond our means". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to know how Catalonian citizens account water controversies in Spain, we analyzed six focus groups carried out in Catalonia in 2006. A concept of ‘urban social identity' is used for our interpretations, having been adapted to highlight its interactional character. Tracking the spatial categories used in the discussions, we identified the variety of denominations employed to debate water problems in Spain. The analysis is focused on the most frequent categories to establish their utility and identify discursive actions that participants produce. Results indicate that speakers account the “water problems" mobilizing a common sense political geography that highlights the socio-spatial and conflicting character of water issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]