Singaporeans Demand Digital Trust as Misinformation Concerns Rise

Singapore’s internet users are becoming increasingly vigilant about online content, with over 70% expressing concerns about misinformation, according to a comprehensive study examining the island nation’s evolving digital landscape.

The “Digital 2026: Singapore” report, compiled by Meltwater and We Are Social, reveals a growing trend toward digital discernment in one of the world’s most connected societies. Drawing from proprietary media, social, and consumer intelligence data, the analysis shows that while Singapore maintains exceptionally high internet penetration at 98.4% and social media usage at 90.6%, citizens are engaging more intentionally with digital content.

“Singapore’s digital landscape is evolving through both technology and behavior. People here are informed, intentional, and selective about what they engage with,” said Mimrah Mahmood, APAC VP of Meltwater. “Singapore demonstrates that progress is strongest when innovation is guided by discernment.”

The shift toward more deliberate online engagement manifests in several ways. Nearly 37% of Singaporeans regularly decline cookies, while 34.4% express concerns about corporate data usage. These statistics point to a population increasingly conscious of their digital footprint and personal information security.

Despite these concerns, Singaporeans remain highly engaged online, spending an average of six hours and 44 minutes weekly on social media, over five and a half hours consuming short videos, and more than five hours streaming television content. This suggests that concerns about misinformation aren’t driving users away from digital platforms, but rather changing how they interact with online content.

The eCommerce sector continues to thrive amid these shifting attitudes. Singapore’s digital economy now boasts 4.7 million online shoppers spending approximately SG$7.65 billion annually—an increase of nearly SG$1 billion from 2025. Mobile commerce dominates the landscape, accounting for over 70% of all purchases, with fashion, electronics, and food leading consumer spending categories.

Cross-border shopping and subscription-based purchasing are also gaining traction, highlighting the growing importance of content discovery, community engagement, and social proof in consumer decision-making. Major shopping events like Singles Day (11.11) demonstrate these trends, with engagement beginning weeks before the actual day and platforms like Shopee leading in reach while TikTok Shop drives engagement through creator content and livestreams.

The report also notes the rising influence of AI-driven discovery tools, which are increasingly shaping what Singaporeans read, watch, and purchase. Platforms like ChatGPT are becoming integrated into daily routines, though users’ high digital literacy means they expect transparency and ethical implementation of such technologies.

This evolution reflects a broader shift across Asia, where digital development is increasingly measured not merely by time spent online but by the trust relationship between audiences and brands. Singapore’s digitally savvy population shows that rapid technological adoption and ethical responsibility can coexist, establishing a benchmark for transparency and authentic connection in the digital era.

“The opportunity now is to apply intelligence with integrity and use technology to build authentic human connections,” Mahmood added, highlighting the balance between innovation and trust that characterizes Singapore’s digital landscape.

The findings come at a time when Singapore has been actively addressing online misinformation through various regulatory and educational initiatives. With over 80% of Singaporeans reportedly encountering harmful online content, according to related studies, the push for greater digital transparency aligns with both consumer preferences and policy directions.

As AI continues to reshape information discovery and consumption patterns, Singapore’s experience suggests that successful digital engagement increasingly depends on established trust, verified information, and ethical practices—factors that will likely influence how brands and platforms operate in this sophisticated market going forward.