People Trust Social Media More Than News

You're not going to believe this. Actually, you probably will, because the world's gone completely insane. PR professionals think consumers trust social media more than actual news. 

More than news! What's next? Trusting a fortune cookie over a doctor's diagnosis?

The Numbers That'll Make You Want to Move to a Deserted Island

Get this: 50% of these PR hotshots say consumers trust social media the most. The most! 

Traditional news? A measly 39%. 

And business? A pathetic 10%. 

Don't even get me started on government - a whopping 1%. One percent! I've got socks with more credibility than that.

The "Influencers" Running the Asylum

You know who these PR geniuses think consumers trust? Other consumers. That's right, 50% say people trust random strangers on the internet more than anyone else. 

Employees come in at 17%, which I suppose makes sense - at least they're getting paid to know something.

But here's the kicker: social media influencers and journalists are tied at 10%. 

Journalists! 

People who actually investigate things for a living are on par with someone who knows how to use a ring light and smile at a camera. It's unbelievable!

What Builds Trust? Apparently, Not Much

So what do these PR wizards think builds trust? 57% say authenticity and transparency. Oh, sure, because nothing says authentic like carefully curated social media posts. 

Past experience with a brand? 55%. At least, that makes some sense. 

Customer service at 36%? Have they tried calling customer service lately? It's like talking to a wall, except the wall might actually be more helpful.

The Social Media Circus and Its Ringmasters

Now, apparently, social media is where public opinion is shaped. It's like we're living in a giant high school cafeteria where the popular kids decide what's true. 

And guess what? 

The news cycle moves faster than ever. It's like trying to catch a greased pig while riding a unicycle. Blindfolded.

The Customer is Always Right... and Now They're in Charge

These PR folks are saying we need to get our customer references in order. Great, so now we're not just catering to customers, we're begging them to be our unpaid marketing department. 

"Hey, you bought our product, how about writing us a novel about how great we are?" 

What's next, asking them to come in and run the company?

The New Water Cooler, Except Everyone's Shouting

And here's the cherry on top of this sundae of madness: social media is how you influence the influencers. 

It's not enough to just show up and talk about your product. No, you've got to be there all the time, engaging in every inane conversation, like some kind of digital party host. 

"Oh, you like cats? We love cats! Our product is practically made of cats! Buy it!"

We're Doomed, But at Least We'll Tweet About It

So there you have it. The world of PR and marketing has officially lost its mind. 

We're trusting random people on the internet more than actual experts, shaping our opinions based on who has the best Instagram filter, and running around like chickens with our heads cut off trying to keep up with it all.

You know what? I'm going to go read a newspaper. An actual, physical newspaper. And then maybe I'll write a strongly worded letter to the editor. 

On paper. 

With a pen. 

Remember those? Ah, forget it. Nobody would trust it anyway. It's not on TikTok.