Back then, major news outlets, TV and radio broadcasts played the main role of informing the public before social media platforms, gossip columns, and tabloids gained influence.
According to research conducted by the American Press Institute, Millennials and Gen Z now receive news from different sources. Both traditional media and digital media, such as newspapers, TV news stations, their websites, and social media platforms, form part of the sources where news is distributed. The study also found that Gen Z are more likely than older millennials to receive news on social media platforms daily (74% versus 68% for older millennials).
In a study by Pew Research Centre, over half of U.S. adults (54%) say they sometimes get news from social media, which is slightly up compared to the last few years. “Smaller shares of Americans regularly get news on Instagram (20%), TikTok (17%), or X, formerly known as Twitter (12%). And even fewer get news on several other sites, including Reddit (8%), Nextdoor (5%), Snapchat (5%), WhatsApp (5%), LinkedIn (4%), Truth Social (3%), and Rumble (2%).”
This clearly indicates that younger audiences are moving away from traditional news websites and are instead relying on algorithm-curated content on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. However, this trend has its own drawbacks, including the spread of misinformation.
Misinformation spreads faster online than fact-checked stories because of fast clicks, shares, and comments. In the past, traditional media served as the gatekeeper, but Gen Z frequently sees these sources as outdated or disconnected from their daily lives. Instead, they turn to peers, influencers, or independent creators who share information in a more conversational and relatable manner.
The changing landscape of news consumption shows a distinct generational shift away from conventional media’s gatekeeping function and towards social media’s algorithm-driven, peer-influenced environment. While television, radio, and newspapers once set the public agenda, today’s younger audiences prefer news that feels immediate, personal, and shareable, even if it comes with the risk of misinformation. The future of journalism will depend on finding a balance, from gaining trust, accuracy, and depth of traditional reporting to adjusting to the dynamic, interactive styles that appeal to Gen Z and Millennials.
