The latest Eurobarometer survey indicates that Malta ranks second in the European Union for social media news consumption. A significant 74% of Maltese residents rely on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for current affairs and politics, nearly double the EU average of 40%.
Social Media Usage in Malta
The survey highlights that four out of five Maltese individuals access news online daily. This includes not just social media, but also news portals. Interestingly, 21% of respondents now follow podcasts for news, while 12% use AI chatbots like ChatGPT for information.
Decline in Traditional Media
- Only 48% of Maltese access political news through television.
- A mere 27% rely on radio for news updates.
- 38% engage with newspapers, a figure consistent with the EU average.
Popularity of Social Media Platforms
Facebook remains the dominant platform in Malta, with 87% of residents choosing it for news—this is the highest in Europe. Other favored platforms include Instagram at 35% and YouTube at 33%. However, the use of X, Telegram, and Reddit is relatively low in Malta compared to other EU nations.
Engagement with Political Content
About 93% of Maltese frequently encounter political information on social media by chance. Despite this, only 62% actively seek out news content, which falls slightly below the EU average. Notably, 29% of Maltese who come across political posts are likely to share them through messages or private chats.
News Consumption Trends
The survey uncovers a divide between casual news consumers and dedicated followers in Malta. Only 58% check traditional media daily for political news, lower than all but five EU countries. Yet, 22% seek online news more than ten times a day, the highest rate in Europe.
Combatting Disinformation
- Approximately 45% of Maltese encounter disinformation regularly.
- A remarkable 84% feel confident in their ability to recognize fake news.
- 58% verify accuracy by cross-checking with other sources.
- 24% utilize fact-checking tools or websites, marking the highest rate in Europe.
Malta’s strong reliance on social media for news indicates a shift in information consumption. As more individuals opt for online platforms over traditional media, the country stands out for its proactive approach to tackling disinformation.
