• Networks that lack fact-checking, greater anonymity and where content veracity is sacrificed in favor of speed and virality are more distrusted.

• Forty-seven percent of those under 24 trust TikTok compared to 28% of those over 65.

The relationship between trust in the media and the use of social media is complex and multifaceted. As social networks have established themselves as platforms core topic for news distribution, the dynamics of consumer trust have evolved significantly. On the one hand, social networks have facilitated unprecedented access to a diversity of news sources and perspectives; on the other, they pose significant challenges in terms of verifying the veracity and objectivity of information.

Globally, the increase in reliance on social networks for news has coincided with a decline in overall trust in the media. This decline is associated with the perception that social networks promote particular agendas. Hoaxes can spread quickly, especially when promoted by individuals with large followings or when designed to exploit existing emotions and prejudices. This status has contributed to an environment of skepticism and often cynicism towards news sourced from social media, fueling a crisis of confidence in the broader media ecosystem. 

For all these reasons, this year we wanted to delve deeper into the credibility of the most popular social networks as information channels. Specifically, respondents were asked about the Degree trustworthiness of Google Search, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube and Facebook. 

When asked which social network presents the least complications for users to discern between truthful and false information, Google Search (55%) and WhatsApp (53%) are perceived as the most trustworthy networks by those who use them. This is probably due to the fact that Google Search is based on advanced search algorithms that prioritize verified information sources in its results, and WhatsApp is an instant messaging platform between individuals, which allows the exchange of information directly between acquaintances and may contribute to a higher Degree of trust in the content received.

In the case of Facebook (48%) and YouTube (48%) they have implemented content verification policies and tools, which could help maintain a relatively stable perception of trustworthiness, although the exhibition to hoaxes remains significant. 

In contrast, X (formerly Twitter) registers the lowest trustworthiness (37%), followed closely by LinkedIn (37%) and TikTok (40%). In these cases, the reasons may include their approach on user-generated content, which often lacks formal verification. In the case of X, their approach is on rapid communication and topicality, with short messages and a high frequency of content. This fosters an environment where content veracity can be sacrificed in favor of speed and virality. In addition, the diversity of users, anonymity and the wide variety of topics covered may contribute to the difficulty of verifying their content.

On TikTok, its dominant visual content facilitates the dissemination of misinformation, which is less likely to be critically challenged, especially by younger users. Finally, while LinkedIn is a professional social network , its content includes not only updates from degree program and professional articles, but also news posts and industry discussions. While content tends to be more formal and business-oriented, verification of information is not necessarily rigorous, and the platform has recently begun experimenting with more general news and content that may be subject to misinformation. 

Generational differences in the credibility of social networks

The study also highlights significant generational differences. Two main groupings are identified: the first includes Google Search, WhatsApp, Facebook and YouTube, where variations in perceived trustworthiness across age groups are minimal, for the reasons discussed above. 

In contrast, in the second grouping (Instagram, TikTok, Linkedin and X), the ease of differentiating hoaxes and news decreases as age increases. For example, 52% of Instagram users under the age of 55 easily differentiate hoaxes on that social network versus 40% of those over that age. Both Instagram and TikTok, are highly visual social networks, characterized by short and easily consumed content, aimed especially at younger users, who have grown up with these technologies. Older users, while they may be experienced in discerning sources of information in more traditional formats, are wary of the lack of fact-checking that exists on these platforms. 

The following graphs show the differences between the younger groups (under 24 years of age) and those over 65 years of age. In general terms, young people tend to have a higher Degree of credibility in all social networks, while the more adult population offers much more significant differences in the trust they place in each network. In the case of the more adult population, Google Search (56%), WhatsApp (51%) and Facebook (47%) are the most credible social networks, while TikTok (28%), Linkedin (31%) and X (33%) are the ones they trust the least. 

In the case of the youngest, Instagram (53%) WhatsApp (50%) and YouTube (48%) are the most reliable social networks to differentiate truthful content and hoaxes, while Linkedin and Twitter (41%) are the ones that deserve less credibility.