Work

Use and Trust of Digital and Traditional Media Among Recreational Anglers in Germany: Findings From a Nationwide Survey

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Data on recreational fisheries are often limited, and scientists increasingly use digital platforms to collect information otherwise difficult to obtain. Using telephone‐diary survey data, this study examines angling‐related media use (face‐to‐face communication, angling magazines, TV or radio, YouTube, messenger services, social media, other angling‐related websites, and angling apps) and trust in these sources among German anglers. Personal face‐to‐face communication, YouTube, and angling magazines were the most frequently used sources for information. Many participants rarely or never used digital platforms. Approximately 53% of participants used YouTube occasionally, often, or regularly, compared to 15% who used angling apps in the same way. Trust in digital sources was low: 11% rated social media such as Facebook and X, and 25% rated angling apps quite or very trustworthy. Digital media use was positively related to angling centrality and negatively to age. These findings highlight the need for further research on motivators and barriers affecting anglers' engagement with digital platforms.

Source: Fisheries Management and Ecology

DOI: 10.1111/fme.70076

Authors: Wolf‐Christian Lewin, Marc Simon Weltersbach, Harry V. Strehlow

Language: English

Topic: Media and Digital Communication

Subfield: Computer Networks and Communications

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,430

Funder: Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung

Award: G5202157272