Trust in “Traditional” Media Sky‑High—Social Media’s Slipping Ahead
The latest Edelman Trust Barometer (published in 2018) shows that British‑speakers who actually rely on social media for news are alarmingly few—just one in four. People are clearly turning away from platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, favoring the dependable brick‑and‑mortar outlets of the past.
Key Findings at a Glance
- Only 24 % of Britons trust social media for reliable news.
- Traditional media’s credibility soars to 61 %.
- 64 % feel social‑media giants lack adequate regulation.
- 63 % think those platforms are too opaque.
The Verdict from Across the Digital Divide
The research surveyed 3,000 UK respondents, with a solid one‑third hailing from the 16‑18 age group. It’s a clear indication that younger users—who were once the poster children of social‑media enthusiasm—now question its Safer‑than‑Ever reliability.
Edelman’s Take
Ed Williams, the darling CEO of Edelman UK, reads it like a punchline: “After a flood of negative headlines in 2017, it’s time these companies sat up and listened. The public wants action on key issues related to online protection, and to see their concerns addressed through better regulation. Failure on their part to act risks further erosion of trust and, therefore, public support.”
In other words, if Facebook, Twitter and Instagram don’t step up with some concrete, visible reforms, the public’s patience will run thin, and the “trusted news” crowd will look elsewhere—back to those trusty newspapers that are, surprisingly, getting a massive boost in credibility.
What It Means for You
Think you’re getting all the facts from your feed? Consider taking a double‑check. In the new media era, it’s a good reminder that the traditional news sources—once deemed old‑school—are actually the most trusted, reliable option for keeping the conversation honest. So next time you scroll the latest meme or trending hashtag, pause: Is it a fact or a story? If in doubt, look to the most reliable source you can find—yes, that’s still the paper or a vetted news website.
