The Togetherness Index 2022
The impact of communication on social cohesion
We wanted to explore the role communication plays in connecting people, so we created the Togetherness Index – a study of the impact of communication in our community.
Our third survey revealed a score of 57; holding steady compared to 2021. However, further analysis reveals that Government, business and the media have a way to go to restore Australians trust, confidence and cohesion.
Download the report here.
Government communications fatigue
After two pandemic years and a divisive federal election, we’re listening less to government, both State and Federal.
- Australians are less likely to think government communications are informative, effective and trustworthy
- Women, rural and regional and older voters are less likely to feel connected to Federal Government
- The proportion of Australians who believe the federal government tries hard to listen has declined significantly
In a time when government communications are more important than ever, it’s imperative we get Australians connected again.
Institutions struggling to connect
The effectiveness of communications from businesses, community leaders and, remarkably, friends and family, continues to decline.
- Trust in communications from business and media has dropped for the third survey in a row
- We are less likely to act on what we hear from community leaders or the media, compared to a year ago
- Less than half said friends and family influence their behaviour
Our results suggest institutions must act to convince Australians that they are a force for good.
The influence of social media
The influence of social media continues to hold amongst Australians.
- Trust in communications on social media remains constant
- What we see, read and hear on social media is seen to be as effective as Federal Government and more effective than institutions in keeping us informed
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The influence gap between Government, institutions and social media is closing
With misinformation on social media is growing, it’s never been more important to ensure that people are turning to trusted sources online.