Table of Contents:
The growing role of social networks in information
Social networks have taken on an increasingly central role in daily life, becoming privileged channels for information. According to the “Edufin Pictet AM 2024 Observatory”, young people, in particular, turn to platforms such as Instagram to receive investment advice and financial information. This phenomenon is growing: from 27% in 2021, the use of social networks as a source of information rose to 36% in 2024, surpassing other forms of communication such as the press and television
.
Generations compared: Instagram vs LinkedIn
Generational differences are also evident in the choice of platforms for financial information. While Generation Y and Z youth prefer Instagram, members of more mature generations, such as Boomers and GenX, tend to use LinkedIn and Facebook to ask for advice. This gap highlights how the new generations are more comfortable with visual and interactive content, typical of social media, than
the more traditional ones.
Trust in social networks and institutions
An interesting fact that emerged from the research is the increase in trust in social networks. If in 2021 only 2% of respondents trusted these platforms, in 2024 the percentage rose to 27%. However, friends and acquaintances remain the main source of trust for 49% of Italians when it comes to savings and investments. In addition, educational and financial institutions are perceived as the most reliable sources, which suggests the need for greater alignment between the school and financial worlds
.
The challenge of information quality
Despite the increase in the use of social networks for information, there is growing concern about the quality of the information available. The ease of accessing content can create confusion and ‘noise’, making it difficult for users to differentiate between reliable and untrustworthy sources. It is therefore essential that institutions and operators in the financial sector collaborate to create high-quality, targeted and certified content that can be easily used on various social media.
Financial education in schools
Finally, the inclusion of financial education in the school curriculum is seen as an important step. 58% of the public supports this initiative, recognizing the importance of preparing new generations to manage their finances in a world increasingly dominated by social media. Collaboration between schools and financial operators could lead to greater financial awareness and competence among young people, improving their ability to make informed decisions
.
