Observed Signal · Aug 26, 2026 · Study / Survey Published · Source: Horizont · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Negative
Media trust & misinformation Market: 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.
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 mappeddfv Mediengruppe
B2B media group for specialist publishing, events and advertising.
“© dfv Mediengruppe...”
Toluna
Consumer insights platform with global panels, analytics and research services.
MEEDIA
Marketplace for licensing creator-owned images and video content.
IMAGO
Visual content licensing platform for media, sport and brands.
“IMAGO / Bihlmayerfotografie...”
Die Techniker
Germany’s largest statutory health insurance fund.
HORIZONT
German B2B trade publisher for marketing and media professionals.
“HORIZONT Print 35-36/2026...”
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