Investigating the Israeli media environment; trends and approaches – Mehr news agency RCO News Agency

Mehr News Agency – International Group: The media environment in Israel is shaped by dynamic interactions between traditional and digital platforms and is influenced by social, political factors and technological developments. Recent surveys and reports show significant trends in social media use, attitudes toward censorship, and the overall digital environment in Israel.

Trends and use of social media

By early 2024, about 74.9 percent of Israel’s population, equivalent to approximately 6.92 million people, are active social media users. This figure represents a slight decrease from previous years, with the number of users falling by around 140,000 (-2.0%) from early 2023 to early 2024. Despite a high penetration rate of 92.1% for internet use, engagement with political and social issues on these platforms is significantly low.

Political interaction

Only 22 percent of Israelis report that they frequently post or share about political or social issues. This figure has decreased to 36% in 2022.

Attitudes towards censorship

A Pew Research Center poll shows that a majority of Israelis support censorship of some types of content related to Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas. Specifically:

76% of Jews and 57% of Arabs want to censor graphic violence.

Also, 91% of Jews believe that posts that support Hamas should be removed.

These findings indicate the population’s cautious approach to sharing sensitive content online.

Consumption of digital media

The fascination with digital media consumption has grown significantly in Israel. The media market is increasingly influenced by digital platforms, reflecting consumers’ preference for streaming services over traditional television and print media.

The growth of streaming services

The rise of local streaming platforms has been dramatic due to consumer demand for accessible content. This shift reflects a broader preference for an on-demand viewing experience.

Advertising trends

Digital advertising continues to grow as businesses adapt to changing consumer behaviors. The integration of social media into everyday life has made it a vital channel for marketing and dissemination of information.

Cultural and ideological divisions

Israel’s media environment also reflects deep ideological divisions among its citizens:

Censor preferences

Opinions about what should be allowed on social media vary widely based on political ideology. For example, 76 percent of right-wingers believe that posts showing sympathy for Gaza civilians should be censored, compared to only 25 percent of leftists.

Criticism of the government

Supporters of Benjamin Netanyahu’s government are more likely to support censoring posts critical of the government’s actions during the conflict (69 percent), compared to non-supporters (39 percent).

These ideological divisions not only affect individual behavior online, but also shape the broader conversation in Israeli society.

Israel’s media environment is rapidly evolving, with significant implications for how information is shared and consumed. The increasing penetration of digital platforms reflects changing consumer preferences, while social and political factors continue to influence attitudes toward censorship and public discourse. As digital engagement grows, understanding these trends will be essential to navigating the complexities of media consumption in Israel.

the author; Saeed Ghaffari