Most People Do Not Trust News They Read on Social Media
 |
| Vocfm |
In the days of social media, we're pretty much always plugged in and due to this, we wind up seeing news as it pops up on social media. Thanks to Facebook and Twitter both having trending topics, you're likely to see the news, maybe not as it happens, but after a little while of people talking about it as you browse. You might click through a few different articles that catch your eye but it turns out that most of you don't actually believe them.
It makes sense as it's better to take anything you see on social media with a pinch of salt. As great as it is to be able to spread information, anyone can say anything they want about anything. If someone is easily tricked they may wind up sharing a hoax site or the news being spread just might not be all the facts. We're very wary about what we read and though that can be a good thing, it's surprising to know how cautious we actually are. According to research done by Pew Research, 32% of internet using adults in the US do not trust any news they read on social media. This is compared to 30% of people who trust it some, 33% who trust it not too much and a mere 4% who trust it a lot.
This isn't good news for the media companies who use Facebook to spread their stories. It might be a good way to get people to check out your articles, but if they can't trust your information then is that any good? I wouldn't suggest stopping sharing on social media as that won't help anyone. Only 18% of adults get information from social media often so it's not going to be a huge amount of your views but they will help. If you know you're writing the truth and if you can provide evidence, then chances are that readers will believe you. This phenomenon is probably left over from the days when people would believe everything they read online and they'd wind up sharing so many hoaxes. People may still fall for stuff sometimes, but not as often as they used to as we've become more savvy. We need to learn to look into things and not believe everything we see on social media, but maybe believe a little more than we're currently willing to.
The news is a big part of social media now and it will continue to be but the more people disbelieve what they read, the more trouble this will be not only for the general media but for social media too.
Rosina is a Songbird writer with a degree in Creative Writing. She's trying to focus on her novel on the side but is glad to be playing around with apps and writing about them in the mean time! Follow her @Songbird_Rosina
Contact us on Twitter, on Facebook, or leave your comments below. To find out about social media training or management why not take a look at our website for more info: TheSMFGroup.com
Most People Do Not Trust News They Read on Social Media
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
Rating:
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
Rating:
Unknown
Keeping you up to date on social media, digital marketing, apps, news & reviews. Social media, and digital marketing as a whole, are rapidly and constantly changing, adapting to new developments at an ever increasing rate. Just keeping up to date can be a nightmare. Our team of writers know their field, and keep an ear to the ground. We aim to keep you informed of all recent developments in the online world, and teach you a little something along the way. So whether you just want to stay connected, or gain some knowledge for yourself, the Social Songbird will keep on singing! More articles are posted every day so keep checking back! Join the discussion on Twitter - #SocialSongbird Or contact us directly - @SocialSongbird_
Entrepreneur, international speaker on Social Media Marketing. First one in the UK to write and speak in conferences about Twitter as a marketing tool. Consultant to Corporate Companies, Government Organizations, Marketing Managers and Business Owners.
Aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers. He hopes to one day drop that 'aspiring' prefix. He started as a writer and soon after he was made Executive Editor and Manager of the team at Social Songbird. A position he held for 5 years.
Adrienne is a passionate writer with experience in editing, content creation, and social media marketing. She’s a lover of animals, helping others improve their writing, and 2000s pop culture.
Musician, audio technician, professional tutor and a Cambridge university English student. Interested in writing, politics and obsessed with reading.
Recently graduated with a BA in English Literature from the University of Exeter, and he is about to study an MA in Journalism at the University of Sheffield. He is an aspiring journalist and novelist; in his free time he enjoys playing chess, listening to music and taking long walks through nature.
Lucy is an undergraduate BSc Politics and International Relations student at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Anna Coopey is a 4th year UG student in Classics at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. She is a keen writer and researcher on a number of topics, varying from Modern Greek literature to revolutionary theory.
Ellie is a recent BA English Literature graduate and aspiring publisher with a passion for writing. Her favourite pastimes include reading and shopping.