A Platform for Future Discourse Hosted by Media Group

The fourth Metafuturo Forum, hosted by Spanish media group Atresmedia, concluded in Barcelona on November 21, 2025. The five-day event brought together leading figures from economics, politics, healthcare, and media to discuss social changes and responses in the artificial intelligence (AI) era.

In his opening remarks, José Creuheras, chairman of Atresmedia and Grupo Planeta, stated, "We reaffirm our commitment to making our society a better place through books, education, and media." He particularly addressed the issues of misinformation and fake news in the social media age, emphasizing that "media feels the responsibility to provide accurate information with context and support critical thinking."

Housing Crisis: Supply Shortage at the Core

One of the hottest topics at the forum was the housing shortage, Spain's most pressing concern for citizens. Enric Fernández, chief economist at CaixaBank, diagnosed the situation: "The current situation fundamentally stems from supply shortage, and policy must focus here."

Fernández proposed specific measures to increase the number of rental properties: ensuring legal stability and providing incentives. He explained, "We need stable national policies, and the market will only activate when we provide clear protections and benefits to rental housing suppliers."

While Catalonia's regional president could not attend in person, he reaffirmed Catalonia's commitment to "defending the future and pluralism" through a video message.

AI Transforming Healthcare, Politics, and Economic Landscapes

Day three of the forum intensively discussed algorithm risks, the dopamine economy, and AI's social impact. Speakers pointed out that AI technology has already penetrated all social sectors including politics, economics, and healthcare.

AI's role in healthcare was particularly emphasized. One speaker noted, "Thanks to AI, healthcare systems have gained more knowledge and can provide better services." However, warnings also continued about algorithms manipulating personal choices and inducing dopamine addiction.

Rapid Response and Adaptation as Survival Strategy

The forum's core message was that 'the future demands rapid response and adaptation.' Chairman Creuheras stated, "We are analyzing an era where we must continuously adapt to a constantly changing environment."

This Metafuturo Forum functioned not as simple future prediction, but as a venue for seeking practical solutions to current problems. Experts from various fields put their heads together on complex challenges including housing, information credibility, AI ethics, and economic stability.

[AI Analysis] Time to Redefine Media's Role

The issues raised by the Metafuturo Forum are not exclusive to Spain. Globally, as social media platforms become primary channels for news consumption, traditional media's role is being redefined.

Chairman Creuheras's emphasis on "providing context and supporting critical thinking" is likely to become core competitiveness for media in the AI era. Unlike platforms relying on algorithmic recommendations, professional media can differentiate through fact-checking and in-depth analysis.

AI utilization is also expected to expand in housing issues. Some countries already use AI-based real estate price prediction and demand analysis systems in policy-making. If AI data analysis combines with Fernández's proposed "supply-centered policy," more effective housing policy design will become possible.

However, even in areas where AI plays a positive role like healthcare, social consensus on data privacy and algorithm transparency must come first. The questions raised by Metafuturo ultimately converge on governance issues: "Who will use technology, how, and for what purpose?"