Social Media News: A Surprising Boost for Knowledge and Trust

In a world where social media is often blamed for spreading misinformation, a recent study reveals a surprising twist. It turns out that following news accounts on platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp can actually make people more informed and improve their ability to spot false information. The study involved over 3, 000 participants in France and Germany. They were asked to follow two accounts for two weeks and turn on notifications. Some followed news organizations, while others followed accounts about cooking, cinema, or art. The results were clear: those who followed news accounts gained better knowledge of current affairs, improved their ability to tell true from false news, and even increased their trust in the news. Interestingly, this didn't make them feel more informed or more interested in politics. It also didn't change their political views or how they felt about other political groups. This suggests that social media can be a tool for good, helping people stay informed without causing division. The key takeaway? Not all social media use is bad. In fact, it can be a powerful way to keep people informed and trustworthy news sources. So, next time you scroll through your feed, consider following a news account. You might just learn something new!