### Media Consumption Patterns and Trust in Different Societies

In the complex landscape of contemporary information dissemination, different societies around the world exhibit varied preferences and trust levels for different news sources. This divergence can be observed prominently when comparing societies that least rely on social media with those where television is the less preferred medium for news. The factors influencing these preferences include demographic trends, technological access, cultural norms, and historical media development within each society.

#### Social Media as the Least Relied Upon Source

##### Technological and Socioeconomic Factors
In some societies, especially those with higher digital literacy and stronger regulatory frameworks around digital content, social media might be the least relied upon source for obtaining news. Distrust in social media platforms often stems from the widespread issues of misinformation, the rapid spread of unverified news, and the influence of algorithms that prioritize sensational content over factual accuracy. Countries with more mature internet users, who have witnessed the evolution of digital content from its inception to the current state, might be more skeptical of the information presented via social media platforms.

##### Age Demographics and Media Consumption
Older populations, who are less accustomed to digital platforms for news consumption, might contribute to the trend of social media being less relied upon. In these societies, traditional forms of media like television and radio might hold more credibility among older demographics. This skew can drastically affect overall societal trust in social media as a reliable source of information.

##### Education and Awareness Programs
Higher levels of education and widespread public awareness campaigns about the pitfalls of misinformation on social media also contribute to its lower reliability rating. Educational institutions and media literacy programs play pivotal roles in shaping perceptions and teaching critical evaluation skills for news consumed via social platforms.

#### Television as the Least Relied Upon Source

##### Shift in Viewing Habits
In contrast, there are societies where television is increasingly seen as an outdated source of news, primarily influenced by the shift in media consumption habits towards online and mobile platforms. The rapid penetration of smartphones and the proliferation of high-speed internet services have allowed real-time streaming of news and on-demand content consumption, making television seem less immediate and interactive.

##### Generational Changes
Younger generations in particular are leading the change, favoring devices that offer multipurpose functionality over traditional television. The preference for consuming news through short video clips, podcasts, and interactive websites can lead to television's decline as the primary news source.

##### Credibility and Sensationalism
Issues of credibility also affect television news. The commercial pressures to boost viewership can sometimes lead programming to favor sensationalism over in-depth analysis, leading viewers to turn towards online news outlets and independent content creators for more substantive news coverage.

##### Economic Factors
Economic factors also play a significant role. Maintaining a television set and a cable subscription can be costlier compared to accessing news on a smartphone or computer. This economic implication is particularly relevant in lesser economically developed regions where cost-efficiency dictates media consumption preferences.

#### Conclusion

The choice between television and social media as the least relied upon news source varies significantly between different societies, influenced by an interplay of technological adoption rates, demographic shifts, economic factors, and the evolving landscape of media credibility. Understanding these factors offers insightful perspectives on global media consumption trends and the future of news dissemination in our increasingly digital world.

In summary, while some societies continue to trust traditional media like television despite its drawbacks, others move towards newer technologies, facing different sets of challenges like misinformation. Each society's unique media landscape shapes its trust and reliance on various news mediums, painting a complex picture of global information consumption.