Top methods Poles use to follow news and current events:
- 28% - television
- 28% - social media
- 18% - news websites or apps
- 8% - radio
- 10% - other
- 8% - not interested in following news
Given that over a quarter of consumers rely on sources with challenging credibility verification, fake news remains a serious problem. While 77% of respondents acknowledge the issue, 51% admit difficulty in assessing the truthfulness of information.
The high popularity of social media as an information source is concerning, as experts warn it provides an ideal environment for the rapid spread of unverified information. Moreover, fewer social media users find these platforms trustworthy compared to television (21% vs. 34%).
Source: Digital Consumer Trends 2021, DeloitteThree-quarters of respondents claim to verify the origin of the information they receive.
- The highly effective spread of unfounded theories suggests that verification often happens within other social media channels sharing the same content, says Rafał Wojciechowski, senior manager at Deloitte. - One of the biggest challenges for media and regulators should be ensuring effective mechanisms to confirm the accuracy of information.
Social Media Less Popular
The overload of false information prompts only slightly more than one-fifth of Deloitte`s respondents to stop using social media. The most common reason, cited by a third of respondents, is boredom with the platform, especially among older users (39% in the 55-65 age group). One in four mentions spending too much time on social media as a reason to quit.
Interestingly, the youngest users are the most likely to temporarily or permanently quit at least one social media platform - 43% of 18-24-year-olds, compared to just one in five in the 55-65 age group.
- The desire to spend time more meaningfully, distance oneself from polarizing discussions, and improve well-being also drives users away from social media, says Maciej Dakowicz, senior manager at Deloitte Digital. - This trend requires marketers to diversify communication channels to reach different target groups and create valuable content that positively impacts users.
Find the second part of the Digital Consumer Trends 2021 report at:
https://www2.deloitte.com/pl/pl/pages/technology-media-and-telecommunications/articles/Digital-Consumer-Trends-2021-part-2.html
Identifying Fake News
Artificial intelligence is increasingly used to create fake information. Software now exists to manipulate public speeches by politicians. For instance, a video of Barack Obama delivering the same speech at different ages was generated using specialized software. This technology means public appearances by any politician can now be fabricated.
A large-scale example of fake news manipulation was the 2018 Facebook scandal. Cambridge Analytica acquired data from over 50 million Facebook users to create personalized ads influencing voter decisions. This likely impacted the Brexit vote and the U.S. presidential election.
Fake News in Poland and Europe
Three-quarters of Poles encounter fake news or distorted information at least once a week. Only 14% believe this issue does not affect them, according to Kantar Public`s Eurobarometer survey.

When asked, "Does the presence of distorted or false information pose a problem in your country?" 84% of Poles responded affirmatively:
- 49% - definitely yes
- 35% - somewhat yes
- 9% - somewhat no
- 3% - definitely no
- 4% - don`t know/no opinion
These results place Poland in line with the EU average (44% - definitely yes, 41% - somewhat yes).
Eurobarometer findings echo a Press Club Polska analysis on trust in media information, showing the highest trust in social news and the lowest in political news:
- social news: trust 68%, distrust 30%
- economic news: trust 57%, distrust 40%
- political news: trust 46%, distrust 49%
According to Press Club Polska, credibility in media is most influenced by presenting independent expert opinions, referencing scientific research, and citing diverse sources, rather than the neutrality of language or source popularity.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
New articles in section Media industry
Who trusts articles written by artificial intelligence? Results of a study from China
Krzysztof Fiedorek
Young readers trust machines more than human writers. When they consume news, they prefer the cool objectivity of algorithms over human emotions. They believe that articles created by AI are objective. As they interact with these texts more frequently, they rarely notice any harmful biases in them.
Who really controls the news on the internet? A study from Spain
Krzysztof Fiedorek
Analysis of more than thirteen thousand articles reveals behind-the-scenes mechanisms of spanish digital media. Left-wing portals are responsible for 50.33 percent of texts on lobbying. The energy lobby generates 63.41 percent of publications. Only one daily newspaper evaluates pressure groups positively.
Children and artificial intelligence. The generation of a global experiment is growing
Joanna Sokołowska, UNICEF Polska
A UNICEF analysis based on new data from 10 countries shows that at least 20 million children have already used artificial intelligence (AI). Many of them are ahead of adults, adopting these technologies at a pace more than three times faster.
See articles on a similar topic:
Radio, Streaming, and Podcasts. Total Audio 2024 Report about Poland
Krzysztof Fiedorek
Audio content is a daily companion for Poles. According to the Total Audio 2024 study conducted by Adres:Media on behalf of the Radio Research Committee, as many as 90% of respondents listen to audio content at least once a week, and 80% do so daily. The average listening time is nearly five hours per day.
Equality and Diversity in Media: European Broadcasting Union Report
KFi
European public media are increasingly focusing on diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) as the foundation of their operations. Public broadcasters in Europe are implementing diversity strategies - both in content and within their teams. The findings from the report are clear: although progress is visible, many challenges remain.
Disinformation 2024. Major Threats According to the Global Risk Report
KrzysztoF
In 2024, the world will face several global threats, including disinformation, climate change, and armed conflicts. These three challenges will have a significant impact on the economy, society, and the environment. These findings come from the "Global Risks Report" by the World Economic Forum.
TVs in Europe, the USA and China. What and how we watch on them
Paweł Sobczak
The Living Room Study shows significant differences in video content consumption across different regions of the world. This is the result of diverse media ecosystems shaped by decades of local broadcasting, channel availability, and strong cultural factors.




























