The majority of respondents (64%) get their daily news from social media, yet the same respondents state – in 70% of cases – that social networks are also the main source of disinformation. More than half do not trust the press, but 72% support the existence of an optional media education course in schools. These conclusions are presented in the Study “Media Literacy Assessment in the Republic of Moldova,” conducted by the Council of Europe and the Audiovisual Council (AC).

Social media has become the main daily source of information for 64% of citizens, overtaking traditional television, watched by 41%. Parents with children aged 7–18 are even more likely to use social platforms, with 80% relying on them daily for news.

The data are based on responses collected by the sociological company Magenta Consulting between 23 May and 23 June 2025, from 1,868 respondents. Of these, 1,542 formed the core sample, supplemented by 326 parents of children aged 7–18.

The answers also show that almost all citizens (96%) believe it is important to be able to distinguish false news from genuine reporting. A majority (59%) feel personally capable of identifying falsehoods, but 70% think this is difficult for the wider population. More than half of the general population (56%) consider themselves well-informed, while 65% are interested in domestic news. The media is regarded as interesting (61%), but not politically independent (61%). Trust in the press is low, with 55% saying they do not fully trust any source. However, investigative journalists are seen as the most credible, according to respondents.

Only 4% of the general population say they have attended, or know someone who has attended, a media education course.

The existence of an optional media education course in schools is supported by 72% of respondents, though participation is still viewed with scepticism – only 35% express interest.

The study “Media Literacy Assessment in the Republic of Moldova” shows that users are increasingly turning to online platforms for information. Distrust of the media is widespread and, although the dangers of disinformation are acknowledged, responses are often passive. The study’s recommendations cover four key areas: diversifying and improving media content, building trust through strategic communication and transparency of media ownership, developing media skills through education in schools and adult programmes, and supporting local and investigative journalism to better respond to community needs.

“We hope that our study on the state of the media and the level of media literacy in the Republic of Moldova will guide the relevant authorities and civil society in addressing disinformation more effectively, while also strengthening efforts to promote information literacy,” said Shahin Abbasov, Head of Unit, Division for Cooperation on Freedom of Expression at the Council of Europe.

Chair of the AC, Liliana Vițu noted that the presentation of this study is a logical continuation of last year’s launch of the Media Literacy Strategy, developed for the broadcasting regulator. The document was prepared with the support of the Council of Europe Office in Chișinău.

Deputy Chair of the AC and media literacy researcher Aneta Gonța underlined that the study reconfirms the inextricable link between education levels and the capacity to discern, process, analyse and question information and social phenomena. She also pointed out that the report reveals both the strong presence of confirmation bias and the identity gaps within society. According to her, today’s study is further proof of the need for media literacy among information consumers, which should be an intrinsic part of cross-cutting education and inseparable from broader social processes.

The study was carried out in the framework of the Council of Europe Project “Advancing media freedom in the Republic of Moldova (2025–2028)”.