Global poll highlights UK has strongest understanding of 5G health myths
A recent YouGov poll has found that concern about 5G is the lowest in the UK when compared to other countries.
This is a significant shift in attitudes when at the height of the pandemic the UK experienced attacks on its mobile infrastructure fuelled by misinformation and conspiracy theories.
Our own research conducted in October 2020 showed that just over a third (38%) of people in the UK agreed that 5G did not pose a health risk. In 2021 YouGov's research found a significant shift in attitudes towards 5G when its own findings, based on a survey of 2000 UK adults, found that three fifths (59%) did not register concerns about 5G.
Mobile UK and the industry developed the #5GCheckTheFacts campaign to directly address questions about 5G and health and to raise awareness about the technology.
Our aim in running this campaign has always been to provide facts about 5G technology which can be easily understood, from verified sources and presented in a way that is informative.
The findings from YouGov suggest that the UK population is now less likely than other countries to engage with or be influenced by conspiracy theories and misinformation.
Internationally YouGov found that 52% of people in India are concerned with 5G compared with just 16% in the UK. Additionally, this report highlights that investment in this technology is not enough to combat fears without good programmes to inform and educate people. Notably, China (42%) and the UAE (48%) are high on this list of concerned populations despite significant growth and market penetration of 5G technology.
This survey highlights the importance of a clear, simple and factual need for information about 5G that not only addresses people questions and queries but also raises awareness about the benefits of this important technology. From healthcare to food production, manufacturing and transport, 5G will touch and transform every aspect of the way we live.
Since our #5GCheckTheFacts campaign started in January this year we have had over four million Twitter impressions and seen impressive growth across all our social media channels. The campaign was recently shortlisted for a Connected Britain award and it has reached over 60 million in media coverage.
The #5GCheckTheFacts campign will continue to raise awareness and provide clear and fact-based information.
For the full survey results see: https://today.yougov.com/topics/technology/articles-reports/2021/07/19/5g-gauging-concern-around-world
For more information and guides on 5G and to learn more about the #5GCheckTheFacts campaign visit our dedicated website section: https://www.mobileuk.org/5g-and-health
*Survey published in July 2021 by YouGov America. To see the full analysis visit: https://today.yougov.com/topics/technology/articles-reports/2021/07/19/5g-gauging-concern-around-world
