To summarize the key points and context of the content, we can structure it into six paragraphs, each focusing on a specific aspect of the information provided:
1. Overview of the Yomiuri Shimbun survey
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Part I:
The Yomiuri Shimbun, a well-known news(padding日内赛弗) daily newspaper, conducted a nationwide opinion poll conducted on April 28, 2025, in Japan. The survey found that people who actively obtain political and election-related information through social media tend to trust what they see on these platforms, regardless of their age. This is a critical finding, as it indicates a clear divide in public trust between users who actively engage with social media and those who do not. -
Part II:
Among the respondents, 29% stated that they "actively use" social media to obtain political or election news, with the highest percentage in the young age group (18-39 years old) at 48%, followed by the middle-aged group (40-59 years old) at 33%, and the elderly group (60 and older) at 16%. Additionally, within the active use group, 64% indicated that they trust the information they receive from social media platforms. -
Part III:
Online social media services were rated by the respondents, with X, the former social media platform, ranking highest among the young age group, while YouTube topped the list for both the middle-aged and elderly groups. This ranking reflects the diversity of content platforms and their potential impact on public trust. -
Part IV:
The survey also revealed that non-active users, who do not actively seek political or election-related information, reported that the information on social media """untrustworthy."” This is particularly concerning, as it may contribute to a larger trend of public distrust in political communication across media. -
Part V:
However, the survey highlights a contrast in trust levels between active and non-active users within the active use group. The 64% trust rate among active users (with a majority of all groups agreeing) contrasts sharply with the 26% rate reported by non-active users. This division suggests a shift in public perceptions of political communication as social media becomes more prominent. - Part VI:
The survey also touches on the concerns surrounding misinformation on social media. Both active and non-active users expressed serious worry about how false information could affect voting behavior. This is best evidenced by 86% of active users and 84% of non-active users stating they are "worried" about the potential spread of misinformation.
2. Challenges to public trust
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Part I:
The findings reveal that public trust in political messaging on social media is lowest among non-active users, with support among active users being stronger. This underscores the importance of engaging users in social media to build trust and address public skepticism. -
Part II:
The contrast between active and non-active users in terms of trust indicates a clear divide in public perception. This divide is more pronounced among younger and middle-aged users, suggesting that age may play a significant role in attitudes toward political communication. - Part III:
The rankings of social media platforms among different age groups highlight the diversity of content platforms and their potential impact on public trust. This suggests that platforms like YouTube, which are increasingly popular, hold significant roles in shaping public perception.
By the end of 2025, 29% of Japan’s 325 million residents are logged in, providing original, independent news coverage in approximately 500 languages. To stay informed,[square]">
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3. The role of short videos in election campaigns and voter engagement
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Part I:
Last year, short videos uploaded to platforms like YouTube and TikTok became widely popular in Japan’s House of Representatives election. These videos included clips of presidential speeches by leading political parties, such as the Democratic Party for the People. -
Part II:
As a result of these online campaigns, parties managed to secure significant seat gains, reflecting a shift in voter support. The importance of short videos was even amplified by audience members uploading their own video versions of political speeches, further driving campaign momentum. -
Part III:
The survey data supports both the politics-focused content of short video uploads and the effort put into creating entertaining and informative political speeches. The timing of the video upload coincided with’][‘ divorced links’] a crucial point in elections, which typically occurs a few minutes before a candidate aims to close the polls. -
Part IV:
voters’ decision-making to utilize short videos for political.zaclimbing purposes was highly influenced by their online engagement with political messaging. Almost 59% of active users expressed a desire to "like" short videos to make informed decisions about their vote. -
Part V:
The survey also revealed that both active and non-active users felt a strong sense of urgency about the potential misuse of political information. This is partially attributed to the popularity of short videos and the growing comfort among voters with consuming political content online. - Part VI:
Tsukasa Tanihara, an associate professor at the Ritsumeikan University specializing in social informatics, provided additional commentary. He emphasized the growing prevalence of social media and the growing importance of strategic messaging in political campaigns.