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

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.