They use these platforms to “google” things and spend countless hours on them daily. Although a few of these social media platforms are a breeding ground for misinformation, deep fakes, and safety concerns, Generation Z also uses them for news.
Let’s take TikTok for instance: The Chinese short video platform is banned on Government equipment within the UK and will potentially be banned within the US on security grounds. It has also been linked to misinformation surrounding the election. the past.
Nevertheless, the app is becoming increasingly popular as a news source amongst around 11% of British adults – in 2020 this figure was just 1%.
Especially amongst teenagers aged 12 to fifteen, TikTok’s news reach is higher than that of YouTube and Instagram. latest office for communications This was revealed by data published on Tuesday.
The report, which divides Generation Z into teens aged 12 to fifteen and adults aged 16 to 24, says online platforms – whether a news publication’s website or social media – seem like the popular source. Among older members of Generation Z, TikTok was ranked as considered one of the “most important sources of news.” Facebook, X and Instagram also made the highest ranks.
The growing interest in news consumption via TikTok might be worrying, because the platform has been within the crosshairs of regulators recently about content securityWith the rise in misinformation and deepfakes, social media as an entire can feel a bit like its own Wild West.
However, fans of online news also seem to pay attention to the risks of social media, as they rank it lowest when it comes to accuracy and impartiality. Even amongst digital sources, search engines like google and yahoo like Google are considered more reliable than social media platforms.
Major paradigm shift
It’s true – the generation of digital natives who’ve had access to technology since day one are difficult age-old practices. TikTok is only a small a part of the paradigm shift in the best way news is read and shared.
Last 12 months, the UK’s Office for Statistics announced it could change its data collection methods because millennials and Generation Z aren’t any longer answering phone calls. They are also less more likely to “Google” things when searching for answers, as an alternative using platforms like TikTok.
Similar trends could be observed within the USA, where many adults on social media Websites like Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.
People appreciate that social media offers a wide selection of opinions while still being more tailored to private interests. It’s also a fast solution to find news, especially on light-hearted topics that appeal to the younger Gen Z.
Ofcom’s data shows a stark contrast between the best way Generation Z, who’re either at college, university or about to enter the workforce, eat news and their older counterparts. Around 85% of Generation X and Baby Boomers (Ofcom’s ‘over 55s’ category) still rely totally on television, although they’re showing signs of adapting to online formats.
Even though the usage of traditional media isn’t any longer as pronounced, they still enjoy greater trustworthiness across all age groups.
“Television has dominated people’s news habits since the 1960s and is still highly trusted. But we are witnessing a generational shift to online news,” said Yih-Choung Teh, Ofcom’s director of strategy and research, in an announcement.
Ofcom’s 2024 survey included over 5,400 interviews between November 2023 and March 2024.
