Germany: nearly 90% of voters fear manipulation – DW – 02/06/2025
www.dw.com
A poll of German voters found that 88% fear manipulation from foreign actors or governments as they prepare to cast ballots on February 23. Russia and the US ranked as the perceived top threats, followed by China.

Summary

A poll found that 88% of German voters fear foreign election interference, with Russia (45%), the US (42%), and China (26%) seen as top threats.

Concerns include deepfake disinformation and social media manipulation, with 56% believing Germany is unprepared. Elon Musk, a vocal far-right supporter, has drawn criticism for allegedly influencing German politics.

Voters also worry about the far-right AfD’s aggressive online campaigns. Many (79%) believe populists benefit most from social media.

Meanwhile, 71% support creating a new ministry to combat digital misinformation.

  • leisesprecher@feddit.orgEnglish
    6·
    10 hours ago

    change my mind!

    It’s not social media, it’s media.

    Social media are somewhat faster, but if you watch TV or read news here in Germany, the discussions there and reality on the have almost zero connection. We’re discussing completely absurd proposals to deport refugees, while most people are much more afraid of their landlords or can’t get a doctor’s appointment.

    The media completely fails at questioning power. They’re just repeating what politicians say or demand, knowing that 90% of that is straight up against the constitution.

    • BrightCandle@lemmy.worldEnglish
      3·
      9 hours ago

      When fake news as a concept appeared a bit over a decade ago it was all about the traditional media and the lies and narratives they formed in their articles. That same media tried to spin it as about the satire sites like newstrump and most recently their entire spin has been about social media being the cause. I think social media has caught more because its clear to see that some users are spreading a lot of misinformation and you can see others falling into the trap but really what legitimises it all is what the media does and does not platform.

      • MutilationWave@lemmy.worldEnglish
        2·
        6 hours ago

        I first heard it on NPR. They were referring to Trump’s lies in the 2016 campaign. Two weeks later his team had co-opted the term and used it as a two word reply to anything going against their narrative.

        I’m totally amazed that they pulled that off so well. It’s sad of course, set us down the path to “alternative facts” and is still used as complete dismissal of an argument without even giving it a chance.