euronews.com
False Claim: Starmer Approval Rating Not Record Low
A false claim that Keir Starmer's -38 approval rating is the lowest in UK history was shared on TikTok, garnering 25,000+ likes; fact-checks reveal this is inaccurate, as previous prime ministers had far lower ratings.
- How did this misinformation spread and what platforms played a role in amplifying the false claim?
- More in Common's data shows Starmer's approval rating sharply decreased from August to October 2024 to -38. This is based on a survey of 2,073 UK adults. However, this doesn't surpass the approval ratings of previous prime ministers like Rishi Sunak (-41), John Major (-59), Theresa May (-49), Boris Johnson (-53), and Liz Truss (-70).
- What is the factual accuracy of the claim that Keir Starmer has the lowest approval rating of any UK prime minister?
- A recent TikTok post falsely claimed that Keir Starmer's approval rating is the lowest of any UK prime minister. The misinformation, viewed over 25,000 times, originated from a screenshot of an X post showing a -38 rating. Fact-checkers revealed this graph, from More in Common, only reflects a decline since his July 2024 election win, not a record low.
- What are the broader implications of the rapid spread of political misinformation on social media and its impact on public perception?
- The rapid spread of misinformation on social media highlights the ease with which false narratives gain traction and influence public opinion. This case underscores the need for critical evaluation of online information and reliable fact-checking sources. The contrast between Starmer's relatively low current approval and the significantly lower ratings of past prime ministers exposes the context often missing in viral posts.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing is largely neutral. While it highlights the false claim, it also provides substantial evidence and context to counter it. The headline accurately reflects the content.
Bias by Omission
The article accurately reports the false claim regarding Starmer's approval rating but could strengthen its analysis by explicitly mentioning the potential motivations behind spreading this misinformation (e.g., political campaigning). It also could have included a broader discussion of the limitations of approval polling as a measure of prime ministerial performance.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the spread of misinformation on social media, impacting public trust in institutions and political processes. Combating misinformation is crucial for maintaining strong institutions and ensuring fair elections, aligning with SDG 16. Accurate reporting and fact-checking are vital to promote transparency and accountability, which are core tenets of SDG 16.