How figures taken out of context become “sensational” crisis news

In a video published on January 23, 2025, on the YouTube channel CTVBY, which garnered over half a million views, the following statements were made about public sentiment in Germany:

Worse than ever. This is how German residents evaluate the situation in the country. Germans are hopeful that the upcoming parliamentary elections will change the current state of affairs, according to the latest survey data. As such, 82% of citizens believe that Germany is on the wrong path in its development. 73% of respondents think that the government has completely ruined the economy. 14% admitted that they might lose their jobs in the near future. Never before in the ten-year history of the survey have sentiments in Germany been this grim. When asked what problems the new government should address first, about 40% responded that poverty and social inequality are the top priorities. More than 30% believe that inflation must be curbed, and over a quarter think that excessive defense spending should be stopped, as it increases the risk of military conflicts.

Our verdict based on conducted analyses:

Verdict: Incorrect

Reasons:

• The claim or statement is entirely false: information from multiple sources or expert opinions contradicts it.
• Cause-and-effect relationships do not exist as stated.
• When quoting, significant parts are omitted, rearranged, altered, or mistranslated, fundamentally changing the original meaning.
• Manipulation of polling data.
• The event occurred significantly differently than claimed.

Verification Rating Scale

Full video:

There are no references to a sociological study: no information about when, by whom, the sample size, or other necessary details that would allow for a critical assessment of public opinion in Germany.