Generation Z in the UK opts for social media over traditional news outlets
A study involving over 8,000 participants reveals a significant shift in how Generation Z in the UK consumes news, preferring social media platforms like TikTok over traditional outlets, despite trust issues.
A recent study has uncovered a significant shift in news consumption among Generation Z in the UK, with a clear preference for social media platforms over traditional news outlets. This transformation is particularly evident in the 18-24 age group, where individuals are twice as likely to access news through TikTok than through established sources like the BBC. The research, involving over 8,000 participants, was discussed by Lee Cain, the former No. 10 communications director, who expressed concerns over the move towards what he termed a “post-truth media age.”
Despite Generation Z’s trend towards social media for news, the study found these platforms to be less trusted than traditional media, which continues to be the preferred source for older generations. Television news channels, for instance, still retain the highest trust among the general population. However, the growing popularity of social media for news among the younger demographic raises flags about the potential rise in disinformation campaigns and the challenges of deep fakes, particularly in crucial periods such as elections and times of geopolitical uncertainty.
The report additionally highlighted a contrast in engagement levels with current affairs between age groups. It noted that only a third of 18-24 year olds actively seek out news content to stay informed, a trend that poses questions about the future landscape of news consumption and the dissemination of information across different demographics in the United Kingdom.