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[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [TECHNOLOGY]

2 clusters · 8 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated

Youth media consumption and storytelling trends

Overview

A report from the Center for Scholars & Storytellers at UCLA, titled ‘Teens and Screens 2026’, indicates that Generations Z and Alpha are reshaping storytelling through digital platforms. Based on a study of over 1,500 Americans aged 10 to 24, the findings show that 72.9% of respondents identify YouTube as their favorite storytelling medium.

Short-form video is gaining significant traction, with nearly 80% of participants stating that brief videos can effectively convey stories. TikTok was noted as the leading social media platform in this category with a 64.2% score. While digital formats are rising, traditional media such as TV shows (70.3%), movies (70.2%), and video games (68.5%) remain competitive, and cinema continues to be a preferred weekend activity.

The study also identifies a demand for increased representation. Approximately 55% of those surveyed expressed a desire to see more neurodivergent characters on screen, a sentiment particularly strong among LGBTQIA+ youth. Currently, only 22.7% of respondents feel that existing media portrayals of neurodivergence accurately reflect real life.

Entities

TikTok · University of California, Los Angeles · YouTube · Center for Scholars & Storytellers · Center for Scientists and Storytellers

Timeline

  1. [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    UCLA report shows technology reshaping youth storytelling

    A UCLA study finds that Generations Alpha and Z value short-form digital content, like YouTube and TikTok, similarly to traditional films, while seeking more diverse representation.

  2. [TECHNOLOGY] 6 sources
    YouTube emerges as top storytelling medium for Gen Z and Gen Alpha

    A UCLA report finds YouTube is the preferred storytelling medium for Gen Z and Gen Alpha, alongside a growing demand for more relatable and neurodivergent character representation.

Sources

arabic.euronews.com · de.euronews.com · euronews.net · it.euronews.com · knowridge.com · lenew.ma · makpress.mk · vistina.com.mk