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Australians Prioritize Social Media as Main News Source Despite Mistrust of Influencers

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Australians have increasingly turned to social media platforms such as Facebook and TikTok for news, surpassing online news websites for the first time in the 11-year history of the University of Canberra's Digital News Report. This shift coincides with a growing mistrust of influencers as a major source of misinformation, with Australians expressing higher levels of skepticism towards online personalities compared to other global populations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Australians now rely on social media as their primary source of news, with 25% of users turning to platforms like Facebook and TikTok for information.
  • This marks a significant shift, as online news websites have been overtaken by social media platforms for the first time in the 11-year history of the University of Canberra's Digital News Report.
  • Australians express the highest level of mistrust towards influencers globally, with 51% of respondents viewing online personalities as a major threat of misinformation.
  • Traditional news brands remain the most popular source of news on social media, with Australians valuing the quality and transparency of news over political views.
  • New audiences in Australia are more clustered towards the centre of politics, suggesting an openness to diverse perspectives and a willingness to engage with opposing views.

Statistics:

  • 25% of Australians use social media as their primary source of news (University of Canberra's Digital News Report).
  • Online news websites have been overtaken by social media platforms for the first time in the 11-year history of the University of Canberra's Digital News Report.
  • 51% of Australians view online personalities as a major threat of misinformation (University of Canberra's Digital News Report).
  • 51% of Australians consider activists a major threat of misinformation, followed by 49% who point to foreign governments, 48% who pin blame on Australian political actors, and 43% who point to news media.
  • Professional news brands are the most popular source of news on social media, surpassing influencers and other online personalities.

Sources:

  • University of Canberra's Digital News Report (no date provided)

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