Generation Z relies on social media for news despite low trust

Research involving university students in Spain, the United States, and Portugal reveals a paradox in how Generation Z consumes news. While social media has become the primary source of information, young people express significant distrust in these platforms.

Studies indicate that 75% of surveyed students use social media for news, surpassing websites (64%), digital press (47%), and television (37%). Information is often consumed incidentally alongside entertainment, memes, and music. In Spain, reports suggest that platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are the preferred methods for staying updated.

This shift brings challenges regarding information quality. Data suggests that approximately 80% of young people encounter disinformation on social networks, yet only about 13% claim to consistently verify the information they consume. While traditional media is used less frequently, it is often viewed as more reliable than the social media channels that dominate daily usage.