Fact Check: 47% of people worldwide see online influencers as major sources of false information.

Fact Check: "47% of people worldwide see online influencers as major sources of false information."

What We Know

Recent studies indicate that a significant portion of the global population perceives online influencers as major sources of misinformation. According to the 2025 Digital News Report by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, 47% of respondents worldwide identified influencers and online personalities as primary sources of false or misleading information. This finding is corroborated by multiple reports, including a summary from the BBC, which highlights that the same percentage of individuals also attributed misinformation to politicians (source-2).

Furthermore, a study on social media users' perceptions of health misinformation found that a large majority of adults believe that false or misleading health information is prevalent on social media, with 46% perceiving some misinformation and 36% perceiving a lot (source-1). This context underscores the broader concern regarding the role of influencers in disseminating misinformation.

Analysis

The claim that "47% of people worldwide see online influencers as major sources of false information" is supported by credible data from the Reuters Institute's Digital News Report. This report is based on a comprehensive survey that included nearly 100,000 respondents, making it a reliable source for understanding public perceptions of misinformation (source-3).

The report's methodology and the scale of its data collection lend credibility to its findings. It highlights a growing trend where social media platforms, particularly those featuring influencers, are becoming dominant sources of news, which raises concerns about the accuracy of the information being disseminated (source-2).

Additionally, the health misinformation study reinforces the idea that social media users are increasingly aware of the prevalence of false information, which aligns with the perception that influencers contribute significantly to this issue (source-1).

However, it is essential to consider potential biases in the survey populations. The perception of misinformation can vary by demographic factors such as age, education, and social media usage patterns. Nonetheless, the consistent findings across multiple reputable studies strengthen the validity of the claim.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "47% of people worldwide see online influencers as major sources of false information" is substantiated by multiple reliable sources, including the 2025 Digital News Report and related studies. The data indicates a significant concern among the global population regarding the role of influencers in spreading misinformation, reflecting a broader trend in media consumption and public perception of information accuracy.

Fact Check: 47% of people worldwide see online influencers as major sources of false information.