Teens Distrust News Media: Survey Reveals Negative Perceptions

Is the news media losing an entire generation? A recent survey reveals a stark reality: a whopping 84% of teenagers describe the news media using negative terms. Words like “biased,” “crazy,” “fake,” and “confusing” dominate their perceptions. This widespread distrust raises serious questions about the future of journalism and how to engage young consumers.

A Generation’s Harsh Verdict on the Media

The study, conducted by the News Literacy Project, found that teens aged 13-18 hold deeply negative views of the news. More than half believe journalists frequently engage in unethical practices, such as fabricating details or quotes, paying sources, or taking images out of context. Less than a third think reporters consistently correct errors, verify facts, use multiple sources, or prioritize public interest stories – core tenets of reputable journalism.

College student Cat Murphy, who aspires to be a journalist, hears these sentiments from her peers. “There is a lot of commentary — ‘Oh, good for you. Look what you’re walking into. You’re going to be screaming into the void. You’re going to be useless,’” she shared. This pervasive negativity, experts suggest, is partly fueled by political rhetoric labeling news as “fake” and a general lack of exposure to quality journalism.

Why the Distrust? Earned and Unearned Perceptions

Peter Adams, senior vice president of research for the News Literacy Project, acknowledges that some of this negative perception is “earned” due to journalistic missteps and ethical lapses that make headlines. However, he also believes much of it stems from “misperception” and a lack of understanding about the journalistic process.

Many teens, like Lily Ogburn, a senior at Northwestern University’s journalism school, get their information primarily from social media. If their parents didn’t instill a news-reading habit, they often don’t develop one themselves. Ogburn found that even among her peers interested in journalism, there’s a misunderstanding of its role, with some believing it serves to protect the powerful rather than hold them accountable.

Rebuilding Trust: Meeting Teens Where They Are

The decline of newsroom resources over the past two decades has also contributed, leaving fewer journalists to produce and verify news. Unlike previous generations who learned about journalism through films like “All the President’s Men,” today’s teens often associate journalism with less flattering portrayals in franchises like “Spider-Man” or “Anchorman.”

Howard Schneider, executive director of SUNY Stony Brook’s Center for News Literacy, emphasizes the need for news literacy programs in schools. He notes that students often claim to get their news from YouTube, but he clarifies that understanding the origin and verifying information is crucial. Programs like Brianne Boyack’s and Rhett MacFarlane’s news literacy classes at Brighton High School are teaching vital skills like fact-checking and source verification.

• Teens perceive news media as biased, fake, and confusing.
• Many believe journalists engage in unethical practices.
• Lack of exposure to quality journalism and parental habits play a role.
• Financial struggles in the news industry have reduced newsroom staff.
• News literacy programs are crucial for teaching critical consumption skills.

Murphy believes the journalism industry needs to adapt by embracing social media and meeting young audiences where they are, rather than expecting them to seek out traditional news sources. The challenge is significant, but the future of informed public discourse depends on rebuilding that trust.