University of Zurich study links quality journalism to disinformation resilience

The ‘Media Quality Yearbook 2026’ from the University of Zurich’s Center for Public Sphere and Society (fög) indicates that quality journalism strengthens public resilience against disinformation. The study, based on a representative survey of 1,222 people in German- and French-speaking Switzerland, found that individuals who rely primarily on social media rather than journalistic news are more susceptible to conspiracy theories.

Approximately 57% of respondents view disinformation as a significant problem, an 8-percentage-point increase since 2021. Social media (76%), video portals like YouTube (60%), messenger apps (44%), and AI chatbots (43%) were identified as the primary channels for spreading false information. In contrast, journalistic media are perceived more as part of the solution than the problem.

The report also highlights high trust in Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG) offerings. SRG’s radio and television services received high quality ratings of 7.6 and 7.5 out of 10, respectively. The study notes that the public expects SRG to maintain a diverse digital presence, particularly to reach younger audiences who prioritize social media and digital formats.