A Datafolha poll shows that 58% of Brazilians turn to television and 54% to social media for political and election information. Habits differ by 2022 vote: Lula voters favor tv, while Bolsonaro supporters prefer digital platforms. The survey, conducted in March 2026, highlights variations in information consumption between groups.
The Datafolha poll, released on March 9, 2026, interviewed 2,004 Brazilians aged 16 or older from March 3 to 5 in 137 municipalities. The margin of error is two percentage points plus or minus, with 95% confidence level. The survey is registered with the TSE under protocol BR-03715/2026.
Of the respondents, 58% cite television news programs as their main source of political information, while 54% mention social networks like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). Other sources include news websites (26%), conversations with friends and family (21%), YouTube channels (21%), podcasts and radio programs (14% each), print or online newspapers (14%), and WhatsApp or Telegram (10%). Only 3% say they use no medium.
Analysis by vote in the 2022 runoff shows a reversal between Lula (PT) and Jair Bolsonaro (PL) voters. Among Lula supporters, 66% turn to television—eight points above the general average—and 47% to social media. YouTube is cited by 16% and WhatsApp/Telegram by 8%.
Among Bolsonaro voters, social media leads with 61%, followed by tv at 53%. YouTube is mentioned by 28%—12 points higher than Lula voters—and WhatsApp/Telegram by 15%. The pattern repeats among those declaring intent to vote for Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ) in 2026: 63% cite social media, 50% tv, 28% YouTube, and 15% WhatsApp/Telegram.
The data suggest Lula's base remains more tied to television, while the Bolsonaro electorate focuses on digital platforms, where editorial control is lower and disinformation circulates more. This echoes the digital militias inquiry, which probed Bolsonaro's coup plot; he was sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison for attempted coup and other crimes.
Recently, the TSE approved rules for the 2026 elections, requiring platforms to submit compliance reports on electoral risks and banning AI-generated or manipulated content in the 72 hours before and 24 hours after voting.
