Social media has taken the lead as Cyprus’s top news source, with 70% of the population relying on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for their daily information. Traditional media outlets, such as TV, news websites, print media, and radio, are being surpassed by the digital shift, highlighting the need for adaptation in the evolving landscape of news dissemination.
What is Cyprus’s top news source according to recent trends?
Social media has emerged as the top news source in Cyprus, with 70% of the population favoring platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for their daily information, surpassing traditional media outlets like TV, news websites, print media, and radio.
The Digital Landscape in Cyprus
In the realm of digital landscapes, Cyprus is witnessing a significant shift. A recent Eurobarometer survey has cast a spotlight on the island’s changing habits. Cypriots are increasingly turning to social media for their daily dose of information. An impressive 70 percent of the population now favor platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram over traditional media outlets.
Traditional Media vs. Social Media
While TV still holds sway among 62 percent of the local population, it trails behind social media. News websites and platforms cater to 52 percent, with radio tuning in at 30 percent. Print media appears to be the least popular, mustering a modest 10 percent. This shift isn’t confined to Cyprus; the entire European Union has seen an 11-point rise in news consumption via social media since April-May 2022.
The European Perspective
Television, though declining, remains the dominant news source for EU citizens, boasting a 71 percent reliance rate. News websites and platforms come next at 42 percent, and both radio and social media share an equal 37 percent slice of the informational pie. Print media, much like in Cyprus, finds itself at the back of the pack with 21 percent.
Survey Insights and Methodology
Conducted by Ipsos European Public Affairs for the European Parliament, the survey engaged 25,956 individuals across the EU. This included 510 participants from Cyprus. The expansive survey used online interviews and adjusted its EU-wide results to reflect the population size of each member state.
The Content We Crave
Respondents revealed their news preferences, with local news leading the pack in the EU at 50 percent. National politics, European and international issues, sports, and crimes and accidents followed in descending order. Cypriots, in particular, showed immense interest in local news (67 percent), European and international issues (55 percent), and crime and accidents (39 percent). Sports and national politics were close contenders as well.
The Rise of Alternative Media
The EU’s gravitation towards alternative media forms is noteworthy. Messaging apps saw a 5-point rise, video platforms increased by 4 points, and podcasts had a subtle 2-point hike. This trend transcends borders, age groups, and most member states.
Influencers’ Impact
Influencers and content creators are becoming pivotal in shaping opinions. In the EU, 37 percent of the populace follows these modern-day opinion leaders. This proportion spikes to 79 percent among the youthful demographic of 15 to 24-year-olds and dwindles to 14 percent in those aged 55 and above. Cyprus stands out with 46 percent of its citizens keeping tabs on such influencers.
In the ebb and flow of digital consumption, Cyprus’s tilt towards social media is clear. It’s a window into the future of news dissemination, where traditional media must adapt or risk becoming a relic. As the island’s citizens scroll through their feeds for the latest updates, the question looms large: How will media evolve in the face of this social surge?
Quick Recap
- Social media has emerged as the top news source in Cyprus, with 70% of the population favoring platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for their daily information.
- Traditional media outlets like TV, news websites, print media, and radio are being surpassed by social media in Cyprus.
- The entire European Union has seen an 11-point rise in news consumption via social media since April-May 2022.
- Television is still the dominant news source for EU citizens, followed by news websites and platforms.
- In Cyprus, local news, European and international issues, and crime and accidents are the most preferred news topics.
