It seems Romanians are serious about wanting a more truthful online world. A recent national survey, conducted in May 2026 by the polling company Avangarde, paints a clear picture: a vast majority of people believe that online platforms need stricter rules to fight against the spread of false information. This isn’t just a fleeting thought; it reflects a growing worry among ordinary folks about how misleading content on social media and other digital spaces is affecting their lives and communities. Imagine sitting down with your family, scrolling through your phone, and constantly wondering if what you’re reading or seeing is actually true. That’s the reality many Romanians are grappling with, and they’re calling for change.
The numbers don’t lie. Out of 900 adults surveyed across the country, a whopping 83.5% are in favor of tougher online regulations specifically designed to tackle disinformation. Only a small fraction, 13.3%, oppose such measures, while a tiny 3.2% are still on the fence. This overwhelming consensus suggests that the issue of fake news and misleading content isn’t just a niche concern; it’s a mainstream problem that a significant portion of the population wants addressed. It’s like a collective sigh of exasperation, a plea for a cleaner, more reliable digital environment where people can trust the information they encounter. This isn’t just about controlling speech; it’s about safeguarding truth in an increasingly complex online landscape.
When it comes to TikTok, one of the most popular social media platforms, especially among younger generations, there’s a fascinating mix of engagement and skepticism. While TikTok undeniably plays a huge role in shaping conversations and trends, people are surprisingly cautious about believing everything they see there. The survey found that only 18.7% of respondents have a high or very high level of trust in TikTok’s information. That means nearly three-quarters of people are casting a critical eye on its content, with a significant 29.3% expressing limited trust and a striking 45.6% admitting they have very little or no trust at all. It’s a bit like having a friend who tells really entertaining stories, but you always take them with a grain of salt – you enjoy the show, but you don’t necessarily believe every word. This suggests that while Romanians are consuming content on TikTok, they’re not necessarily buying into its absolute factual accuracy, demonstrating a level of media savvy that’s encouraging.
Interestingly, trust in TikTok’s content does vary quite a bit depending on age. Younger individuals, those aged 18 to 35, are more inclined to trust what they see on the platform, with almost one in three reporting a high degree of confidence. This makes sense, as TikTok is often their primary source of entertainment, news, and social connection. However, as people get older, their trust in TikTok significantly diminishes, reaching its lowest point among those over 65. This generational divide isn’t all that surprising; older generations often have different media consumption habits and may be more accustomed to traditional news sources, leading them to be more critical of newer, less regulated platforms. Yet, despite these differences in platform-specific trust, the desire for stricter anti-disinformation measures remains universally strong. Across every single age group, over 80% of respondents voiced their support for stronger regulation of online content. It’s as if everyone, regardless of their preferred platform or age, is united in the belief that the digital wild west needs some sheriffs to keep the peace and ensure a level of factual responsibility.
Education also emerges as a key factor in how people perceive online information, highlighting a fascinating correlation between knowledge and digital literacy. The survey reveals that individuals with higher levels of education tend to be more critical consumers of online content. They report lower levels of trust in information found on TikTok and, consequently, show stronger support for stricter measures against online disinformation. For example, over 90% of respondents with a post-secondary education were in favor of tougher regulations, a stark contrast to the 79% of those with a high-school education and a mere 54.5% among individuals with less than a high-school education. This suggests that a more comprehensive educational background equips people with the critical thinking skills needed to discern credible information from misinformation, making them less susceptible to online falsehoods and more proactive in advocating for a more truthful digital space. It’s a powerful reminder that education isn’t just about facts and figures; it’s about fostering the ability to navigate a complex world, both online and offline.
These findings arrive at a crucial time when the digital landscape is rapidly evolving, impacting not just individuals but also organizations. Companies are increasingly relying on digital channels for everything from communicating with their teams to attracting new talent and engaging with stakeholders. This survey serves as a vital wake-up call for employers, emphasizing the critical importance of fostering media literacy, building digital trust, and promoting responsible communication within the workplace. As artificial intelligence and social media continue to revolutionize how information flows, businesses face an increasing responsibility to equip their employees with the skills to critically evaluate online content and distinguish credible information from the ever-present tide of misinformation. Ultimately, the study underscores a broader, fundamental truth: public trust is no longer just a nice-to-have; it’s a strategic asset. Organizations that prioritize transparent communication, invest in digital literacy initiatives, and commit to credible information practices are not only likely to strengthen employee confidence but also enhance their brand reputation in this increasingly complex and often murky information environment. In essence, in a world drowning in data, authenticity and reliability are becoming the ultimate currency.