Kids are scrolling for news but trust it less—exploring why social media still holds such sway.
In the context of competent digital citizenship, it is essential to understand how young people consume news and the degree of trust they place in sources in order to act critically and responsibly in the abundant flow of information on the networks.
A recent study published in Media & Journalism , based on data from more than 27,000 people in Spain, sheds light on the differences in news consumption patterns and trust between 18- to 24-year-olds and other age groups.
This analysis not only offers revealing data, but also underlines the importance of promoting strong media literacy to confront disinformation and foster critical and ethical use of the media.
More confidence in sources?
Exposure to low-quality content and the widespread dissemination of hoaxes or fake news not only generate misinformation, but also erode trust in digital platforms and the media in general.
The study shows that young people consume more news through social media than other age groups; their trust in these sources is low, although higher than the average for the general population (27% versus 17%).
Although young people show greater confidence in social networks than the general population, the difference disappears when considering other contextual variables apart from age. This confidence is influenced by various factors, among which the use made of these platforms stands out.
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In this sense, a bidirectional relationship is observed: those who use social media more (regardless of their age) tend to trust their news more, and this trust, in turn, increases the consumption of information through these platforms. Therefore, people of any age, not just young people, are more likely to believe in information from social media as they consume more of it.
Consumption patterns: the decline of the traditional
Young people are turning less to traditional media such as television, radio or print media, preferring social media for their information. According to the report, they have overtaken radio as the third most important source of information for this demographic group.
However, news consumption on social media is not always intentional. Many young people come across information by chance, shaping their perception of reality through what appears in their feed – all the content that appears on their networks: written or audiovisual.
This phenomenon of agenda -setting ( when mass media influence a particular issue to become part of the public agenda) inverted underlines the urgency of fostering critical skills that allow them to identify reliable sources and avoid information manipulation.
Digital citizenship: a necessary response
At a time when disinformation and fake news are rapidly proliferating, digital citizenship is presented as an essential response. UNESCO defines this concept as a set of skills that allow individuals to access, evaluate and use information critically and ethically, participating actively in society. This approach encourages critical consumption of information, allowing young people to thoughtfully analyze sources and participate in informed public debate.
The development of digital skills such as critical evaluation and ethical discernment becomes essential for citizens to be able to actively analyse information and avoid falling into content bubbles that reinforce pre-existing biases.
The algorithmic dynamics of social media not only hinder social dialogue, but also intensify polarization , increasing distrust of sources that contradict personal beliefs.
Traditional media facing the challenge
In this context, traditional media have the opportunity to renew themselves. Incorporating visual formats, short narratives and multiplatform strategies can help capture the attention of younger generations without compromising the quality of information.
However, this effort must be accompanied by educational strategies that teach users to verify information, identify biases and participate in an informed manner in the public debate.
In this sense, the digital skills defined in the Common European Framework of Digital Competences for Citizenship, DigComp , such as the ability to search, filter and evaluate information, are key to promoting critical participation.
Towards an informed and critical society
News consumption is a crucial element in building an informed citizenry, especially among young people. Providing the new generations with tools to navigate the digital environment safely and judiciously is a shared responsibility between governments, educators and the media. Only in this way will it be possible to foster an active and critical citizenry capable of facing the challenges of the digital age.
Republished with permission from The Conversation
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