Television is the most trusted source of information in the Covid-19 era, according to a survey by the Suan Dusit Rajabhat University, or Suan Dusit Poll.
The poll was conducted online on 1,213 people throughout the country during May 31-June 3. The respondents were allowed to choose more than one answer to each question.
Asked through which channels they got information, 74.81% cited social media; 59.49% television; 34.13% private individuals; 29.66% news websites/apps; and 6.46% short messages on smartphones.
Asked to choose sources of information they trusted, 85.24% picked television; 69.33% academics/analysts/researchers; 67.56% government and private agencies; 57.79% newspapers; and 49.38% news websites of various agencies.
Asked how reliable their sources of information about Covid were, 52.24% said the information provided knowledge from various angles and in-depth analyses; 49.09% said some information also contain rumours, false news and exaggeration; 47.43% said information was published, shared and forwarded more quickly; 44.04% said there were many types of news to follow; and 39.57% thought many agencies had dramatised news, including crime news, in a way that caused people to feel dejected for commercial purposes.
Asked how they picked sources of legitimate information, 78.32% cited clear sources and references; 57.48% information from renowned and well-recognised agencies and organisations; 54.57% information backed by strong evidence; 50.17% information from government agencies with direct responsiblity; and 49.16% information from academics or experts on certain issues.