Facebook Groups Surpass Main Media in Trust During UK Asylum Protests
A new Demos report reveals local Facebook groups became primary info gatekeepers in UK towns, with anti-migrant narratives outnumbering positive posts.
POLICY WIRE — London, UK — A recent analysis by Demos reveals that local Facebook groups evolved into digital ‘town squares,’ where group administrators acted as de facto gatekeepers of information in UK towns hit by asylum hotel protests.
During a surge of anti-immigration demonstrations in the summer of 2025, communities across the country prioritized social media platforms over official authorities or mainstream news outlets to receive updates.
The study found that anti-migrant content overwhelmed pro-immigration messaging by a ratio as high as 42 to one. These posts frequently spread false claims that migrants were ‘invading’ the nation, establishing ‘Sharia law,’ or residing in ‘luxury five-star hotels.’
The findings follow nationwide protests triggered by the government’s policy of utilizing hotels for asylum seekers. In the market town of Epping, Essex, tensions peaked after the sexual assault of a teenage girl by Ethiopian migrant Hadush Kebatu; protests escalated into violent police confrontations involving the throwing of flares and bottles.
Researchers examined nearly half a million social media posts authored between January 2024 and December 2025 focusing on Dudley, Greater Manchester, and Epping. They identified recurring and harmful narratives portraying asylum seekers as criminals or sexual predators, which vastly outweighed any positive online discourse.
The report noted that livestream content produced by ‘auditors’ has become a ‘trusted source’ for many locals, who often view this content as more authentic than traditional media reporting.
The authors of the study stated it was evident across all three studied locations that provocative and false information carried immense weight with residents who saw and believed them.
The researchers attributed this to ‘information voids’ left by local councils, newspapers, and other official bodies, creating gaps that unreliable and inaccurate narratives quickly filled.
While it was not entirely surprising to find negative online sentiment regarding asylum hotels, the study noted the digital polarization was far more extreme than real-world sentiment.
Current data from YouGov indicates that 69 percent of Britons believe immigration levels over the last decade have been too high, and 43 percent feel it has been largely detrimental to the country. However, in Epping, researchers documented 42 negative posts regarding immigration for every single positive entry.
Skepticism toward social media claims varied by region; residents in Dudley were the least likely to challenge online information, while those in Greater Manchester showed the most skepticism.
The analysis highlighted that local social media pages are the most accessed and trusted sources for local issues, including the asylum hotel policy, while a lack of relevant posts from local councils allowed less reliable sources to take over.
Furthermore, local officials and councillors are reportedly self-censoring or retreating to in-person engagement due to backlash and abuse. Researchers warned that resourcing these officials online is vital for building community resilience.
The study suggested that Facebook group admins should receive support given their ‘immense influence.’ They also urged the government to fund experiments for healthier online spaces that provide verified information.
The researchers argued that current online platforms are not serving UK communities, stating the paper shows how they amplify misinformation, polarize environments, and leave citizens uncertain of the truth.
‘Without healthier online spaces, local democracy will struggle,’ they noted, suggesting the central government must view these spaces as vital security.
A spokesperson for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport stated that the Local Media Plan is helping UK newsrooms adapt to the digital world while incentivizing high-quality news. The spokesperson added that social media platforms have clear responsibilities under the Online Safety Act to remove content inciting violence and prevent misinformation, noting the government is considering options to ensure trustworthy news is prominent and easily accessible.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
