One in five voters have changed their ballot paper choices based on social media posts.

That’s according to a survey by Pure Telecom that found just 41% of social media users fact-check political social media content in Ireland.

It found that 38% of adults believe social media is the most important political campaigning platform, ahead of European and local elections on June 7th.

Some 27% of users also say they only follow those whose political stance they agree with.

Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok apps on an iPhone. 2021. Picture by: Koshiro K / Alamy Stock Photo

Pure Telecom CEO Paul Connell said online platforms are making politics more accessible to people.

“It’s helping people to get up-to-speed on important political issues," he said.

“It can also help the population to stay informed on local issues and developments, while also having a greater awareness of national issues, elections, and referenda.

“However, with so many admitting to being influenced politically by social media, it is incumbent on all of us to make sure we carry out some fact-checking before forming an opinion.”

Accessible

Almost half (49%) of adults who use social media said they like politicians to use it because it makes them more accessible, while 49% like them to use social media as it keeps them up-to-date on their progress and opinions.

The study also found a gender disparity on social media with 27% of men saying they use it to share political opinions – compared to just 13% of women.

Main image: A warning under a Tweet made by former US president Donald Trump. Image: Siraj Ahmad / Alamy Stock Photo