Sofia, Bulgaria – A growing sense of skepticism towards information and social media restrictions has become deeply ingrained in Bulgarian society, according to a recent survey conducted by the newly established sociological agency “Myara.”
The study reveals that many Bulgarians perceive encountering false information as a routine experience, with concerns over social media limitations, particularly on platforms like Facebook and TikTok, shaping public attitudes.
The survey, conducted on January 16 and 17 among 800 Bulgarian adults, found that 42.6% of Facebook users reported witnessing restrictions on the platform, while 15.8% claimed to have personally experienced such limitations.
Additionally, 1.3% of respondents indicated they had been restricted without observing similar cases affecting others. In total, 17.1% of Facebook users in Bulgaria acknowledged facing some form of restriction. Meanwhile, 39.8% stated they had neither witnessed nor experienced such instances.
The findings highlight the growing concerns about digital freedoms in Bulgaria, with many users feeling constrained by moderation policies on social media.
However, as the researchers note, these figures reflect subjective perceptions rather than concrete evidence of systematic censorship. Further studies would be required to assess the actual prevalence and nature of these restrictions.
Debate Over TikTok Ban
The survey also gauged public sentiment regarding a potential ban on TikTok in Bulgaria, a topic that has sparked debate in various countries, including Romania and the United States.
According to the results, 43.1% of respondents supported a ban on the platform, while 28.4% opposed such measures. Another 26.6% admitted to lacking sufficient knowledge to form an opinion, while 1.9% did not provide a response.
The divided opinions on TikTok may be influenced by generational differences, with older users expressing greater caution towards the platform. Unlike Facebook, TikTok remains less familiar to many Bulgarians, which may contribute to its ambiguous public perception.
The skepticism surrounding the app aligns with broader global concerns over data security and potential foreign influence, but further research is needed to determine the depth of these concerns in Bulgaria.
A Society in Search of Digital Clarity
The survey’s findings suggest that Bulgarians are increasingly wary of the reliability of online information, as well as the role of social media companies in regulating content.
This growing distrust reflects a broader societal shift toward questioning digital platforms and their governance. While some respondents support further regulation, others remain wary of potential overreach and limitations on free expression.
The team behind “Myara,” which includes Parvan Simeonov, Juliana Galiova, Yanitsa Petkova, and Svetlin Tachev, aims to use this initial survey as a foundation for more in-depth research on digital attitudes in Bulgaria.
As the country grapples with the challenges of misinformation and social media policies, discussions surrounding digital freedoms and platform governance are expected to continue.
For now, the findings underscore a pressing need for clarity and informed debate on how Bulgaria navigates the evolving digital landscape.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members