In recent years, there has been a notable shift in public sentiment regarding social media platforms. According to the 2025 Ethics Index by the Governance Institute of Australia, a significant portion of Australians, approximately one-quarter, have deemed these platforms as very unethical. This trend mirrors findings from other studies that highlight a similar erosion of trust, particularly regarding the spread of misinformation.
Globally, this issue isn’t confined to Australia. The 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer, which surveyed over 30,000 individuals across 28 nations, also indicates a decline in confidence towards social media companies. This raises an important question: what is driving this negative perception, and could alternative formats like podcasts offer a more reliable means of information consumption?
Understanding the challenges of social media
While social media has undeniably facilitated connections and fostered creativity, it has also been associated with several adverse effects. Research indicates that on various platforms, false information and sensationalized content can propagate more rapidly than factual narratives. This tendency not only undermines public discourse but also contributes to increased political polarization.
Furthermore, extensive usage of social media has been linked to mental health issues. Although establishing causation is complex, studies show a correlation between high social media engagement and elevated levels of anxiety, depression, and psychological distress, especially among younger demographics.
The role of whistleblowers
In 2021, the revelations made by Frances Haugen, a former product manager at Facebook, unveiled internal documents that illustrated Instagram’s detrimental effects on adolescent mental health. This disclosure ignited a worldwide conversation on the accountability of social media platforms and the potential risks they pose.
Haugen’s findings suggest that many social media companies are aware of the harms their products can inflict yet fail to take adequate measures to mitigate these risks.
The rise of podcasts as a trusted alternative
In stark contrast to the criticisms facing social media, podcasts have experienced a surge in popularity and are generally viewed in a more favorable light. Recent statistics reveal that over half of Australians aged ten and above engage with podcasts on a monthly basis. This trend was particularly evident during the 2025 Australian election, where political leaders utilized podcasts as part of their campaign strategies.
What accounts for the growing trust in podcasts? The format often encourages more intentional listening. Unlike the incessant scrolling typical of social media, podcast listeners select specific shows and episodes, leading to deeper engagement with the content. Additionally, podcasts typically offer more comprehensive discussions, allowing for a nuanced exploration of topics.
Assessing the reliability of podcasts
Despite their positive reputation, it’s essential to approach podcasts with a critical mindset. A study conducted by the Brookings Institution, which analyzed over 36,000 political podcast episodes, found that nearly 70% contained at least one unverified claim. Moreover, some political podcasts have been criticized for utilizing hostile or toxic language, which undermines the notion of a safe listening space.
This highlights that while podcasts may often be regarded as more ethical than traditional social media, they are not inherently free of misinformation or bias. Therefore, it is crucial for audiences to remain discerning consumers of information, regardless of the platform.
Moving towards a healthier digital landscape
The key takeaway is that neither trust nor skepticism alone can determine the veracity of information in today’s digital landscape. As consumers of content, it’s imperative that we develop the ability to critically assess the material we encounter, whether it’s a quick social media update or an in-depth podcast episode.
To restore confidence in social media, companies must prioritize ethical practices. This includes being transparent regarding advertising, sponsorships, and content moderation policies, ensuring users understand how information is curated.
Similar expectations should also be extended to podcasts and other digital media platforms, as they too can be exploited to mislead audiences. Governments can foster accountability through appropriate regulations, but these measures must be complemented by responsible actions from the platforms themselves.
In early 2025, an Australian government report emphasized that social media companies have a duty of care towards their users, suggesting they should actively work to limit harmful content. A healthier information ecosystem relies on informed and engaged citizens, robust ethical standards across platforms, and accountability systems that promote transparency and reliability.
