Observed Signal · Aug 26, 2026 · Study / Survey Published · Source: Horizont · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Negative
Study: 43% Trust Social Media Over Traditional News
A combined reading of reports in HORIZONT and MEEDIA on the Social‑Media‑Atlas 2026 shows 43% of internet users now trust social‑media posts more than editorial news. The representative study of about 3,600 internet users aged 16+, commissioned by PER Agency with IMWF and conducted via Toluna, finds trust in social media rose six percentage points year‑on‑year and is strongest among adults 20–49. Two‑thirds of respondents primarily rely on posts from private contacts; 35% frequently follow private recommendations (Generation Z 47%, Generation Y 46%). Most users are active on platforms and many report encountering misleading or untrue content. The coverage warns that AI‑generated fakes on social platforms pose a growing risk to voter information ahead of September state elections in Germany (Saxony‑Anhalt, Lower Saxony, Berlin, Mecklenburg‑Vorpommern).
Shows a significant shift in public trust toward social platforms and rising AI‑generated misinformation ahead of regional elections — relevant for publishers, platforms, advertisers, and moderation/brand safety concerns.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- 43% of internet users say they trust social‑media posts more than editorial news (Social‑Media‑Atlas 2026).
- Survey of about 3,600 internet users aged 16+, commissioned by PER Agency with IMWF and conducted via Toluna.
- Trust in social media rose by 6 percentage points year‑on‑year and is strongest among adults aged 20–49.
- Two‑thirds rely primarily on posts from private contacts; 35% frequently follow private recommendations (Gen Z 47%, Gen Y 46%).
- Reports warn AI‑generated fakes on social platforms could affect voter information ahead of September 2026 state elections (Saxony‑Anhalt, Lower Saxony, Berlin, Mecklenburg‑Vorpommern); HORIZONT published on 2026-08-26.
Connected Companies & Entities
6 Entities mapped“HORIZONT Print 35-36/2026”
“© dfv Mediengruppe”
“IMAGO / Bihlmayerfotografie”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
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Reuters Report: Traditional TV Remains Trusted News Source
The Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2026 finds that established news brands — especially linear TV — remain important and highly trusted news sources in Germany. The report highlights that the Tagesschau leads trust rankings, followed by regional daily newspapers and ZDF heute. Overall news trust in Germany is stable at 46 percent, while 59 percent of adult online users watch a linear televised news programme at least once a week. Older viewers (55+) rely most on linear TV (77% use it regularly; 60% call it their main source). Young audiences still engage with news-related influencers (about 30% of 18–24s weekly), but influencers score lower on credibility. Generative AI plays a minor role for news (5% use AI chatbots weekly). The report also shows strong public demand (64%) for objective, non-opinionated sources.
Social Networks Become Primary Global News Source
A DWDL.de analysis of the Reuters Digital News Report 2026 shows a global shift in news consumption toward algorithmic social networks and video platforms. On average 54% of users now go first to social media/video platforms for news versus 51% to websites and apps. Creator accounts and news influencers play a growing role—many users consume creator content alongside traditional outlets, while a small share relies almost exclusively on creators. Global trust in established media is low (37%) and willingness to pay for news has fallen (11%). Germany shows a more mixed picture: TV and online brands remain stable, social platforms gain slightly, and WhatsApp leads platform growth.
Global Social Media Skepticism Grows, Pew Finds
A Pew Research Center survey across 37 countries reveals growing skepticism about social media's impact on democracy. While 55% on average still view social media positively, the share of those seeing negative effects has risen in most countries with comparable data from 2022 or 2023. Skepticism is particularly pronounced in wealthy Western nations: 70% in the Netherlands, 65% in France, 64% in the US, and 61% in Germany now view social media as harmful to democracy. The survey also examined perceptions of political polarization, finding that in several countries, including Germany, concerns about social media exacerbating division have reached US-like levels. Facebook remains the most-used platform, followed by Instagram, TikTok, X, and Snapchat. The international survey involved 42,151 respondents across 36 countries, with additional US data from about 9,000 respondents.
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