US teens distrust journalists more than ever, new study reveals
A recent study by the News Literacy Project reveals a concerning perception among US teens regarding journalists and news today. The study, 'Biased', 'Boring', and 'Bad': Unpacking perceptions of news media and journalism among US teens', found that more teens believe reporters are skilled at lying than informing the public. This alarming view comes amidst a decline in US news organisations, with many teens showing little concern about the issue.
The study, a follow-up to the 2024 report, highlights the negative sentiment teens hold towards news today. Around 84 percent of teens surveyed used words like 'fake', 'false', and 'lies' to describe news today. Only about one-third of teens mentioned any movies or TV shows when thinking of journalism, with the Spider-Man franchise being the most common mention. This suggests a lack of positive role models for journalists in popular culture.
The 2024 report found that nearly half of thirteen- to eighteen-year-old respondents believed journalists do more to harm democracy than protect it. About half of teens surveyed also believe the news today frequently engages in 'unethical practices such as making up quotes'. These findings underscore the urgent need for news literacy education in K-12 schools. Organisations like Die Leopoldina, the Gesellschaft für Medienpädagogik, and the Deutsche Kinderhilfswerk have been involved in implementing such education in schools. The goal is to help young people differentiate between news and other types of content, and to value journalism.
The study's findings underscore the need for news literacy education in US schools. With many teens holding negative views of journalists and news today, it's crucial to educate young people about the importance of journalism in a democratic society. By understanding and valuing journalism, teens can become more informed citizens and help combat misinformation.
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