As many as 71% of citizens believe that the media provide only superficial information, while many (39%) think that communication from public institutions is often based on general statements instead of specific arguments. Citizens mostly use the information to keep up with the latest events, make the right decisions in their private lives, and educate themselves, and less for social activism and decision-making on socially important issues.

This was shown by the public opinion survey “Citizens’ practices and perceptions about getting informed and dealing with disinformation“, which the Institute of Communication Studies (ICS) carried out during June and July.

Citizens are most interested in topics related to the economy, finance and business (37%), health and health care (36%), followed by domestic policy (35%) and culture and entertainment (33%). Television remains the main source of information, especially among older people, while younger people mostly use social media and websites. Despite the widespread use of these sources of information, a larger percentage (43%) believe that the media sometimes cover topics of interest to them and only 29% believe that they offer in-depth analysis and comprehensive information. Younger people show a greater tendency to use information to encourage activism compared to older people.

The telephone survey was conducted from June 15 to July 2, 2024, on a representative sample of 1,142 citizens over the age of 18, from all regions of the country, by the Institute for Democracy “Societas Civilis”.

ICS carried out the public opinion survey within the scope of the “Use facts” project, which is supported by the British Embassy in Skopje.