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Trust in traditional media across Europe has fallen to historic lows, with fewer than half of citizens expressing confidence in the news. At the same time, a growing number of people are actively avoiding news altogether — a trend that signals a deeper fragmentation of the public information space.
As audiences turn away from established outlets, they are not necessarily seeking more accurate information. Instead, they are gravitating toward more relatable and accessible sources — from social media personalities to messaging platforms — where trust is built on proximity and personal connection rather than editorial standards.
This shift reflects a broader crisis: declining trust in media is unfolding alongside erosion of confidence in institutions such as governments and public bodies. The result is a weakening of the shared informational foundation that democratic systems rely on.
Ukraine’s experience highlights both sides of this transformation. While platforms like Telegram have proven essential for rapid, real-time communication during wartime, they also illustrate the risks of unregulated information ecosystems, where disinformation can spread just as quickly as verified facts.
The growing divide raises fundamental questions about the future of democracy — as societies lose a common ground for debate and increasingly rely on fragmented, personalized information streams.
Read more in the full article by Volodymyr Kuznetsov, communications specialist and expert at the United Ukraine Think Tank.
