Romanians earning under 3,000 RON (EUR 600) per month spend significantly more time on social networks and rely on them as a primary source of information – especially platforms like TikTok, according to a recent study conducted by the APSAP Training Center.
According to the survey, 44% of low-income Romanians use Facebook and TikTok to stay informed. This contrasts sharply with wealthier groups – those earning between 10,000 and 20,000 RON – who prefer specialized news websites that offer verified and trustworthy information.
Among all social networks, Facebook remains the dominant platform in Romania, used by more than 85% of respondents. Instagram follows with 62%, while TikTok holds a growing 37%. For messaging apps, WhatsApp is nearly universal, used by 98% of participants, followed by Facebook Messenger and Instagram.
This widespread use of social media isn’t just about communication. It’s shaping how Romanians consume news, entertainment, and even educational content. However, educational engagement appears superficial, as 67% claim interest in educational content, yet only 8% actively seek it.
Education and income: Key dividers in digital behavior
The time spent on social media is strongly influenced by both income and educational level. Thus, 28% of low-income earners (under 3,000 RON) report spending 2-4 hours daily on social media. In contrast, only 14% of those earning over 10,000 lei do the same.
Similarly, 30% of individuals with just a high school diploma spend 2-4 hours on social platforms daily, compared to only 15% of those with postgraduate degrees. In rural areas, 37% of respondents primarily rely on social media for news, while urban residents prefer specialized news websites (30%).
Gender also influences content preferences. 32% of women prefer educational content, followed by entertainment and motivational posts. Men, on the other hand, lean toward news (18%) and sports (23%).
