In an age dominated by disinformation and fake news, a surprising trend has emerged: young Germans trust social media more than traditional editorial news. According to the Social Media Atlas 2025, published by PER Agency and the IMWF Institute for Management and Economic Research, platforms like YouTube and Instagram are now perceived as more credible by young adults than long-established media outlets.
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As reported by Presse Portal, this comprehensive study, which surveyed over 3,500 internet users in Germany aged 16 and up, reveals a clear shift in public trust – especially among the younger generation.
Social media outpaces news in credibility among youth
The data speaks volumes:
- 57% of 20- to 29-year-olds consider social media content more trustworthy than traditional news—a 20-point increase over the average and up 14 points from the previous year.
- Even 30- to 39-year-olds are joining the trend, with trust in social media rising by six percentage points year over year.
- Among the 16- to 19-year-olds, trust increased by 10 percentage points, reflecting a growing reliance on social platforms.
These findings suggest a cultural and generational turning point, as young Germans trust social media more than both mainstream media and even personal contacts.
Commercial platforms overtake friends in influence
While it may seem counterintuitive, commercial content is now considered more trustworthy than word-of-mouth. Trust in information from friends and acquaintances has dropped from 70% in 2023 to 62% in 2025, continuing a downward trend in the influence of personal networks.
In contrast, platforms like LinkedIn and TV advertising have gained credibility, particularly among those under 30. Only 30% of respondents regularly follow product or service recommendations from friends, compared to 32% the previous year.
Trust persists despite fake news awareness
An overwhelming 84% of respondents say they regularly encounter fake news or distorted information online. Yet, paradoxically, this has not diminished trust in social platforms. Instead, it underscores a growing detachment from traditional editorial standards and a shift toward peer-driven and influencer-led content ecosystems.
Dr. Roland Heintze, social media expert and managing partner at PER, puts it clearly:
“We are experiencing a double turning point: social media is gaining trust—traditional media and personal contacts are losing it.”
He also urges editorial media to expand their presence on social platforms where public trust is increasingly concentrated. The implication is clear: if traditional media wish to regain influence, they must meet younger audiences where they are—on social.
What is the Social Media Atlas?
The Social Media Atlas has been tracking usage trends in Germany since 2011. Updated annually, it offers businesses crucial insights into how different demographics engage with Web 2.0 platforms. It also highlights the types of content that shape consumer decisions, as well as the influence of various channels.
The 2025 edition is based on a representative survey conducted between December 2024 and January 2025, drawing responses from 3,500 internet users aged 16 and older.
Why this matters for brands and media?
As young Germans trust social media more than ever, brands and media outlets must adapt their communication strategies. That means:
- Investing in platform-specific content (e.g., short videos, stories, live streams).
- Collaborating with trusted influencers.
- Maintaining transparency to counteract skepticism and misinformation.
The era of blind trust in traditional news is over. To stay relevant, both businesses and journalists must recognize the new trust dynamics and act accordingly.
Conclusion
The trend is unmistakable: young Germans trust social media more than traditional sources—even as fake news becomes more visible. For communicators, marketers, and journalists, the message is urgent—adapt to this new landscape or risk losing relevance altogether.
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