The Togetherness Index 2023
The impact of communication on social cohesion
The Togetherness Index measures the impact of communications on social cohesion. It looks at the way people are consuming information, where that information comes from, what sources we act on and how trustworthy we find that information. Now in its fourth year, the Index has continued to trend downwards, to a score of 56.
Top five findings from this year’s survey:
- 43% of respondents believe Australians are divided, with 44% believing we are more divided than a year ago.
- Respondents from rural and regional areas feel significantly less united than those in metro areas.
- 69% of respondents believe that Australians pull together when times get tough, but this has steadily declined since our first survey.
- The perceived trustworthiness and effectiveness of business, government and media communications has continued to decline.
- The influence of communications from business, government and the media on thought and action has continued to decline.
To create communications that promote social cohesion, we can think of CLOSE.
- Does the message promote closeness between groups?
- Does the message show we are listening to our audience?
- Will people feel optimistic after seeing the message?
- Does the message tell a story?
- How effective is the communication?