We are all aware that social media now plays a significant role in many people's lives and subsequently might be affecting society.  But how does that tie in with the distribution of information, perspectives and truth, and is the impact positive?

We carried out a survey of the UK population to explore this issue further, asking two key questions:

1. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement - I believe that most of the information I read on social media is truthful.

• Approaching 3 out of 4 UK citizens do NOT believe that most of the information they read on social media is truthful.
• The age of the respondent is correlates significantly - the older the respondent the more sceptical they are likely to be. In the 65+ age bracket only 1 in 9 believe it is mostly truthful, compared to almost 1 in 3 in the 18-24 bracket. 
• Additional data indicates that financial circumstances has no significant bearing on peoples' perception of truth.

2. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement - Social media is a positive force in the world.

• The results revealed that over half of UK citizens believe that that social media is NOT a positive force in the world.
• Men are slightly more likely to hold this view than women. 
• The age of the respondent is correlates significantly with perception of the impact of social media - the older the respondent the more negative they are likely to be.
• Additional data indicates that financial circumstances generally speaking do not correlate with perception, except for those households which are experiencing significant financial hardship, which are even more inclined to have a negative view on the role of social media. 

Our perspective

Social media has undoubtedly transformed the way people interact with each other and access information. While it has its positive aspects, there is much debate on whether it is ultimately a force for good or bad. 

Social media has revolutionized the way people consume news. It has made it easier for people to access information, often in real-time, and from sources all around the world. This has undoubtedly contributed to a more informed populace, and has made it easier for people to keep up with events that are important to them.

One of the biggest benefits of social media is its ability to spread news quickly. In the past, people relied on traditional media sources, such as newspapers and television, to get their news. However, social media has enabled people to share news with their friends and followers with just a few clicks. This has made it easier for news to go viral, and has helped to raise awareness of important issues.

However, this is not without its problems. One of the biggest issues is the proliferation of fake news. Social media platforms have made it easier for people to create and share false information, which can be damaging to individuals, organizations, and even entire nations. This has led to concerns about the role that social media is playing in the spread of misinformation.

Social media has also transformed the way people access information. With the click of a button, people can find information on just about any topic imaginable. This has made it easier for people to educate themselves and to learn about the world around them.

However, the propagation of information on social media has also made it more difficult for people to distinguish between facts and falsehoods. There is no shortage of conspiracy theories, fake news, and propaganda on social media, which can be damaging to people's understanding of the world around them.

Social media has also created echo chambers, where people are exposed only to information that confirms their existing beliefs. This can lead to the spread of misinformation, as people are not exposed to a diverse range of viewpoints.

Positive Force or Not?

So, is social media ultimately a positive force in the world? The answer is not clear-cut. On the one hand, social media has made it easier for people to access information and to keep up with events around the world. It has also given a voice to people who were previously marginalized, and has enabled them to connect with others who share their views.

On the other hand, social media has also contributed to the spread of fake news and misinformation, and has created echo chambers that can be damaging to people's understanding of the world around them.

In conclusion, our perspective is that social media is a double-edged sword. While it has its benefits, it also has its drawbacks. It is up to individuals to use social media responsibly, and to take steps to verify the information that they are exposed to. Only by doing so can we ensure that social media is ultimately a positive force in the world.