Almost half of young people trust social media for political news, despite fake news concerns
Nearly half of young people trust social media as a source of political information, despite the growing prevalence of fake news, according to a recent survey.
A study conducted by the electoral commission surveyed 2,500 individuals aged 11 to 25 and found that 44 per cent believe social media is a trustworthy source for learning about politics. Additionally, 50 per cent reported obtaining their political news from social media, making it the second-most common source after television. Among respondents over the age of 18, social media was the most popular source, with 59 per cent relying on it for political updates.
The findings highlight a growing trend of young people turning to digital platforms for political information, even as misinformation, conspiracy theories, and extremist content proliferate online. The research underscores the urgent need to ensure that young people are properly informed, particularly in light of Labour’s plans to extend voting rights to 16- and 17-year-olds.
Tiktok and the rise of political content
When respondents were asked where they had encountered political content on social media in the past 12 months, 68 per cent cited TikTok. This further cements the platform’s influence on young voters and suggests that short-form videos are playing a significant role in shaping their political views.
The report states: “Young people come across political content in many places, but they can’t always be sure it’s reliable. Many of them agree that there should be more democratic education in schools and colleges.”
The research, commissioned by the Electoral Commission and conducted by DJS Research, was weighted to be representative of young people across the UK. It sheds light on the sources of political knowledge among young people and their levels of trust in different information outlets.
Schools and parents remain trusted sources
Despite the increasing reliance on social media, traditional sources of political education remain influential. The study found that 74 per cent of young people trust what they learn about politics at school, while 78 per cent trust information from their parents. Television was cited as the most common source of political news overall, mentioned by 56 per cent of respondents.
However, the report noted that television news is often consumed passively. Many young people do not actively seek out political news but instead absorb information by overhearing what their parents watch.
A call for more political education in schools
A significant 72 per cent of respondents expressed a desire to learn more about elections and politics at school. However, only a third of 11- to 17-year-olds had been taught about politics in school in the past year, indicating a gap in democratic education.
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Additionally, only 31 per cent of all respondents claimed to know “a lot” about what the UK Government does, while just 34 per cent of 15- to 17-year-olds expressed an interest in politics.
The electoral commission is advocating for greater inclusion of democracy and political education in the school curriculum. The Government’s ongoing curriculum review, led by Professor Becky Francis, presents an opportunity to enhance political literacy among young people.
Electoral commission calls for action
Vijay Rangarajan, Chief Executive of the electoral commission, emphasised the importance of preparing young people to engage in elections. He stated: “It’s crucial that young people are getting the right support to prepare them to participate in elections, which is all the more important if the franchise is to be extended to 16-year-olds. Now is the time to ensure the offering to young people is strong.”
As political discourse continues to shift online, particularly among younger demographics, the findings highlight the need for stronger efforts to ensure that political education is both accessible and accurate. With the potential for misinformation to shape opinions and influence votes, ensuring that young people have the tools to critically assess political content is more important than ever.
