ISLAMABAD: The Institute for Public Opinion Research (IPOR) has released a comprehensive survey highlighting the political influence of social media in Pakistan, public trust in online information, and trends in platform usage.
According to the survey, 39% of Pakistanis believe Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is the most active and influential political party on social media, followed by PML-N at 28%, PPP at 9%, and TLP at 1%.
When asked about trust in government-provided information on social media, 55% of respondents expressed distrust.
In terms of platform usage, WhatsApp emerged as the most widely used social media app with 27%, followed by Facebook (19%), YouTube (18%), TikTok (17%), Instagram (10%), and X/Twitter (2%), which ranked the lowest.
The survey further revealed that 65% of Pakistanis accept online news without verification, while only 22% verify it. Among those who verify, 49% rely on credible websites and 47% consult family or friends.
Regarding misinformation, 43% identified Facebook as the leading source of fake news, while YouTube and TikTok stood at 20% each.
Despite these trends, 68% said social media had no effect on their personal opinions, though 20% admitted their views had changed due to online content. The study also noted the rise of “echo chambers,” with 64% of users repeatedly shown content aligned with their interests.
When encountering opposing views, 66% ignore them, 14% delete them, and 11% share them.
The survey, completed in August 2025, aims to assess the growing impact of social media in Pakistan’s political and social landscape.
