Greece Leads EU in Digital News Shift, Social Media Dominates News Consumption Amid Rising Fake News Exposure

Greece at the Forefront of Digital News Adoption

A new Flash Eurobarometer survey, titled 'Social Media Survey 2025' and released by the European Parliament, indicates a significant transformation in news consumption habits across the European Union, with Greece emerging as a clear leader in this digital shift. The study, conducted through online interviews between June 11 and 18, 2025, highlights that social media platforms have now become the primary source of political and social information for a majority of Greek citizens.

Specifically, 56% of Greeks reported using social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X for news, a proportion notably higher than the 40% EU average. This marks a stark contrast to the broader European trend, where 71% of citizens still primarily rely on television for their daily news updates. In Greece, while television remains a significant source, it now follows closely behind social media at 54%. Traditional print and digital media outlets are also seeing reduced engagement, with only 34% of Greeks turning to them for information, compared to the 41% EU average.

Social Media's Dominance and Platform Preferences

The survey underscores the profound impact of social media on the Greek information landscape. For the first time, these platforms have superseded television as the main channel for political and social news. This preference for digital immediacy over traditional media is a defining characteristic of the Greek public's evolving habits.

Platform-wise, Facebook continues to dominate in Greece, with 68% of users turning to it for news, slightly above the EU average of 58%. Among younger demographics, specifically Greeks aged 15–24, Instagram has taken the lead, with 66% using it as their main source for social and political current affairs.

Alarming Rise in Fake News Exposure

Alongside the rapid digital transition, the Flash Eurobarometer survey also reveals a concerning increase in exposure to misinformation. A staggering 74% of Greeks admitted to encountering 'fake news' or disinformation at least once in the week prior to the survey. This figure significantly surpasses the EU average of 66%, highlighting a critical challenge in the Greek digital news environment.

The prevalence of fake news is a global concern, and Greece's high exposure rate underscores the need for increased media literacy and critical evaluation of online information. While the convenience of social media for news consumption is evident, the accompanying risk of encountering false information presents a complex issue for both citizens and policymakers.

Implications for the Information Landscape

The findings suggest a fundamental shift in how Greek citizens engage with current events, moving away from established media channels towards more dynamic, but potentially less regulated, digital spaces. This trend has significant implications for public discourse, the spread of information, and the overall media ecosystem in Greece. The low trust in news media, reported at 22% in Greece by a separate Reuters Institute report, further complicates the landscape, making the distinction between credible and false information more challenging for the public.