Australian youth increasingly use AI for news source

generative AI news media literacy disinformation Australian youth digital media consumption

A new longitudinal study, the 2026 News and Young Australians Report, reveals that more than one third of Australian youth aged 10 to 17 are using generative artificial intelligence as a source for news. This level of AI usage is now comparable to the use of traditional news websites and apps.

The report, a collaboration between Western Sydney University, Queensland University of Technology, and the University of Canberra, highlights a decline in news engagement and media literacy. Only 47 per cent of the 1,027 young people surveyed expressed confidence in their ability to distinguish fact from fiction online. Furthermore, nearly one third of those who shared news stories on social media in the previous six months later discovered the information was false.

Researchers noted a disconnect between technical knowledge and behavior; while many young people understand how algorithms work, they are less likely to take active steps to verify information, such as checking multiple sources. Lead author Professor Tanya Notley emphasized an “urgent need” for improved news media literacy in schools to help students move from understanding how digital platforms work to knowing how to act critically within them.

Entities

Queensland University of Technology · Simon Chambers · Tanya Notley · University of Canberra · Western Sydney University

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] Only 47 per cent of children aged 10 to 17 feel confident they can distinguish fact from fiction online. www.perthnow.com.au · theqldr.com.au
[● 3 SOURCES] Nearly one third of young people who shared a news story online in the past six months later found it was false. educationmattersmag.com.au · www.perthnow.com.au · theqldr.com.au
[● 3 SOURCES] More than one third of young Australians aged 10 to 17 use generative AI as a news source. educationmattersmag.com.au · www.perthnow.com.au · theqldr.com.au
[● 3 SOURCES] There is an urgent need for enhanced news media literacy education in schools. educationmattersmag.com.au · www.perthnow.com.au · theqldr.com.au
[● 3 SOURCES] Young people are less engaged with news in 2026 compared to 2023. educationmattersmag.com.au · www.perthnow.com.au · theqldr.com.au

Sources

Young Australians turning to AI for news, report finds - Education Matters Magazine [educationmattersmag.com.au]

12 days ago

Kids leaning into AI as literacy levels decline [www.perthnow.com.au]

12 days ago

Kids leaning into AI as literacy levels decline [theqldr.com.au]

12 days ago