Young Adults Navigating Media Information

In today’s digital age, young adults (ages 18 - 24) are at the forefront of navigating the complexities of an oversaturated media ecosystem flooded with misinformation. Whether it's staying updated on current events or discerning credible information from social media posts, the strategies and challenges young adults encounter in the online sphere can provide insight for implementing effective media literacy education.

During summer 2024, New America hosted a Media Literacy Roundtable that brought together a diverse group of 15 young adults aged 18 to 24 to understand where and how they receive their information and how they decide what is credible. Participants represented different educational, ethnic, and geographic backgrounds in the United States. Roundtable participants were encouraged to share their perspectives, explore the challenges of navigating information online, and brainstorm strategies for effective media literacy training. This blog post captures some of the key findings from the roundtable discussion.

Where Do Most Young Adults Get Their News?

When it comes to sourcing news, roundtable participants use a mix of traditional and digital platforms. When browsing for news, many participants shared their use of established news outlets like The New York Times, BBC, CNN, and Al-Jazeera for in-depth and reliable information. These news outlets are often used for research or when participants want to learn more about global or policy-related matters.

Simultaneously, social media platforms play an important role in news access. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) are go-to sources for quick updates and diverse perspectives. Participants cited platforms’ convenience as apps curated and shared the news with them in their feeds, which made content and information easily accessible. One participant shared, “I am a chronic X user, especially for local and city stuff. I like to follow journalists and experts about niche interests and follow their commentary—I don’t have to seek it out because it will appear on my feed.” Another participant stated, “I use TikTok as a point of reference. That is where I do my initial news gathering, then I do my own research if I want to.” Some participants also highlighted the role of family in shaping their news consumption habits. One participant noted, “I have a father who loves NPR news, so I like podcasts, especially with people my age who have diverse viewpoints.” Similarly, another participant mentioned that they primarily get news from CNN because it was a staple in their household growing up.

Navigating Misinformation Online

Participants shared that determining the credibility of information online is particularly challenging. When content is deemed important or controversial, participants cross-reference multiple sources to assess content credibility. The awareness of bias in both news sources and their own beliefs and perspectives is prominent. To fact-check media sources, some participants shared that they rely on established fact-checking services, while others turn to the comment sections on platforms like Instagram or X to gauge the accuracy of the information. “I get a lot of my news and sources from Instagram, both due to its convenience and speed. The first thing I do is check the comments, and I know this is not the most reliable way of fact-checking but I know some Instagram users can be brutally honest. Unfortunately, there are also a lot of bots these days, too,” a participant shared. Yet, despite these efforts, there is a shared sentiment that social media is often a breeding ground for misinformation; participants expressed that it is still necessary to carefully cross-check information with more traditional news sources.

Why Social Media Dominates Other Sources

The preference for social media platforms among participants is largely driven by convenience and accessibility. These platforms offer quick, digestible content that fits into their busy lives and often presents news in a way that is more engaging than traditional outlets. The cost factor also plays a significant role, with many young adults choosing free social media platforms over paid news subscriptions. Moreover, social media allowed the young adult participants to access a broader range of voices from their own demographics which they find more relatable and trustworthy. The diversity of viewpoints, especially from younger or non-mainstream voices, is a significant draw among participants.

Conclusion

The insights shared by young adults at this roundtable highlight the complexity of navigating online media in today’s world. While news consumption via social media presents a host of challenges and uncertainties, it does not eliminate the convenience of these sites to an accustomed user or digital native. Social media allows young adults access to news unlike decades past, and the benefits of a democratized age of information are clear. Nevertheless, participants recognize the need for fact-checking and additional research in the wake of disinformation, misinformation, and increased use of AI.

Their experiences and concerns highlight the need for media literacy programs that not only educate but also engage young adults with tools and strategies that align with their digital habits and preferences. In an increasingly digital world, the need for media literacy cannot be understated. By meeting young adults where they are, on the platforms they already use, and in formats they find appealing, we can help ensure that they are not solely passive consumers of information but active and informed participants.