Almost half of young people 'trust' social media about politics despite the rise of fake news, poll reveals

By ELEANOR HARDING, EDUCATION EDITOR

Published: | Updated:

Almost half of young people 'trust' social media about politics despite the rise of fake news, according to a poll.

A survey of 2,500 11 to 25-year-olds by the Electoral Commission found 44 per cent think social media is trustworthy when it comes to learning about politics.

In addition, 50 per cent said they get their political news from social media, the second-most common source after television.

This rose to 59 per cent for those over age 18, with social media being the most common source for this age group.

When all respondents were asked where they have heard about politics on social media in the last 12 months, 68 per cent said TikTok.

It comes amid an explosion of fake news, conspiracy theories and extreme content on social media platforms.

Researchers said need for youngsters to be properly informed is becoming more urgent amid Labour plans to give the vote to those aged 16 and above.

The report notes: 'Young people come across political content in many places, but they can't always be sure it's reliable.

A survey of 2,500 11 to 25-year-olds by the Electoral Commission found 44 per cent think social media is trustworthy when it comes to learning about politics. Pictured: File photo

A survey of 2,500 11 to 25-year-olds by the Electoral Commission found 44 per cent think social media is trustworthy when it comes to learning about politics. Pictured: File photo 

In addition, 50 per cent said they get their political news from social media, the second-most common source after television. Pictured: File photo

In addition, 50 per cent said they get their political news from social media, the second-most common source after television. Pictured: File photo

'Many of them agree that there should be more democratic education in schools and colleges.'

The report, which was weighted to be representative of all young people across the UK, was carried out by DJS Research on behalf of the Commission.

It found 74 per cent believe what they learn about politics at school, while 78 per cent said they trusted their parents.

In terms of news sources, TV was mentioned by the largest proportion of respondents - 56 per cent.

However, the report noted: 'Although TV is the top way that young people say they hear about politics, this tends to be digested passively, for example overhearing what their parents are watching, instead of something they've chosen to watch themselves.'

The report found 72 per cent of respondents wanted to learn more about elections and politics at school.

However, only a third of 11 to 17-year-olds had heard about politics at school in the last year.

Only 31 per cent of all respondents said they know 'a lot' about what the UK Government does.

It comes amid an explosion of fake news, conspiracy theories and extreme content on social media platforms. Pictured: File photo

It comes amid an explosion of fake news, conspiracy theories and extreme content on social media platforms. Pictured: File photo 

And only 34 per cent of 15 to 17-year-olds said they were interested in politics.

The Commission is lobbying the Government to include more teaching about democracy in schools in its curriculum review led by Professor Becky Francis.

Vijay Rangarajan, chief executive at the Electoral Commission, said: '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.'

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