#Japan #Investment #Tokyo #Social Media #LENDEX

Survey Insight: The Rise of Social Media in Investment Strategies

In a groundbreaking study conducted by LENDEX, a lender-based crowdfunding platform based in Tokyo, it was revealed that a notable shift is occurring among individual investors in Japan. The study involved a diverse group of 300 participants aged between 20 and 60, each one selected to represent a broad spectrum of the investment community. The focus was to understand how these individuals gather investment information and how social media is influencing their decision-making processes.

As of 2025, social media platforms like YouTube and X (formerly known as Twitter) have rapidly evolved into essential tools for daily investment information. Investors can now access market insights and make trading decisions with just a click, emphasizing the growing infrastructure that supports these digital interactions.

However, despite the convenience and accessibility of social media, there are lingering concerns among investors. Many express doubts about the authenticity and reliability of the information available on these platforms. Common sentiments include the overwhelming amount of content that makes it challenging to discern fact from fiction, as well as skepticism about the accuracy of follower counts as a measure of trustworthiness. This dichotomy of usage versus trust highlights a significant shift in information literacy, revealing that investors are utilizing these platforms but remain cautious about their content.

LENDEX’s Comprehensive Survey Results
In an attempt to delve deeper into the realities of social media use for investment information, LENDEX conducted a detailed survey focusing on the experiences of 300 individuals who have sought investment data via social media. Here are some key insights:

• - 55% of respondents utilize social media for collecting investment information, leaving 45% as non-users.
• - A remarkable 93.3% of social media users employ these platforms as tools for investment judgment, and 71% have executed actual transactions such as trades or contributions.
• - YouTube emerged as the most popular platform for investment discussions, with 40.7% of respondents favoring it, followed by X at 26% and Instagram at 12.7%.
• - 39.6% of social media users believe that while the information is mixed in quality, it can generally be trusted.
• - More than half (51.2%) express intentions to use social media as a supplementary resource going forward, while 27.4% would do so only if the integrity of the information sources could be confirmed.
• - Approximately 10% of the population remains wary of using social media, highlighting a significant divide.
• - The mentality of “ SNS is convenient, but ultimately, I want to rely on my judgment” resonates strongly among this cautious community.

Diversifying Information Sources
The survey also indicated that traditional financial media continues to be the preferred source of investment information for many, with 51.3% of respondents indicating that they acquire insights mainly from economic media outlets (such as Yahoo! Finance and Nikkei). This is followed closely by 46.7% who rely on financial institutions and brokerages, illustrating a clear preference for trusted sources over social media. Interestingly, 34.3% noted they use social media as an information source, suggesting that while it is gaining traction, traditional media remains prevalent.

The Duality of Social Media Usage
The findings surrounding social media usage illustrate a polarized landscape. On the one hand, platforms like YouTube dominate the market, chosen by over 40% of respondents for their ability to offer deep insights through long-form content. On the other, 45.3% of investors do not utilize social media for investment information, revealing a stark split that underscores the importance of information literacy as a decisive factor in the effectiveness of social media as an investment tool.

Investment Behavior and Trust
The survey revealed that a significant 70.7% of respondents had executed actions based on information gathered from social media platforms. This included making trades, contributions, or selecting stocks based on the insights they found online. Interestingly, 17.7% of respondents engage in these actions weekly, while another 26.8% do so several times a month, indicating a robust level of activity among regular users.

Conclusion
The LENDEX survey highlights a profound transformation in how investors interact with information sources in today's market. While social media has disseminated investment information widely and effectively, it does not equate to universal trust among users. The ongoing trend indicates that while many investors rely on social media for insights, they are keenly aware of the need to verify and sift through the myriad of information available to make informed decisions. Ultimately, the ability to discern credible sources will be paramount as the investment landscape evolves further in this digital age. LENDEX continues to advocate for investor education and access to reliable resources to help bridge the informational divide, ensuring that investors can confidently navigate the complexities of modern investing.