Generation Z’s Preference for Social Media News

Across generations, more and more people are turning to social media for their daily news. While twenty years ago, most would have turned on their television to access breaking news, now many people turn to their smartphones and scan news apps or their preferred social media platforms for the latest headlines.

This is especially true for Generation Z. A 2019 study from Reuters found that 57% of 18-24 year olds make their first daily contact with news through social media apps and connected messaging services. A more recent Reuters survey showed that 26% of 18-24 year old members of Generation Z turned to Instagram as a source of news within the last week.

There are several reasons why Generation Z finds a connection to social media when looking for a trusted source of news, as opposed to seeking out a more traditional news outlet (newspaper, news app, television program, local news station) like those in older generations might do. Many of the intrinsic qualities that social media brings to the news cycle are all characteristics that Generation Z values including instant access, equality of voices, and the concern for injustice. 

Instant and unfiltered access to breaking stories

When members of Generation Z wants to know the most up-to-date information about what’s going on in the world, all they need to do is scan the trending topics or most frequently used hashtags within the last few hours. They can bypass the commentary and rhetoric of cable news networks and receive the latest updates, often from those who are on the ground and close to the source of information. Whether they are watching footage of a protest in their city or a bombing on the other side of the world, social media puts Generation Z in the action. Even more, through the cameras on their smartphones, Generation Z isn’t merely watching breaking news, but they are frequently contributing to it themselves.

Equality of voices in the news

Social media provides a “flattened platform” where all voices are equal and have a fair chance at being amplified. Minority voices, younger generations, disenfranchised people groups, and those without traditional positions of power are able to have the same opportunities to raise awareness and bring attention to pressing stories—including those within Generation Z. Anyone with a smartphone and access to the internet has a fair shot at being heard in the world of social media. No longer is it only the “winners” writing the news, but previously untold stories are now shared, often for the first time.

Injustices are brought to light

Nearly everyone online is familiar with the hashtags #BlackLivesMatter and #MeToo. Those large-scale movements began with social media, and through them injustices such as police brutality and sexual harassment in the workplace have been uncovered and brought to light. Stories that may have never gained traction in traditional news platforms were shared and re-shared thousands of times on social media, often by Gen Zers. The young people in Generation Z are able to use social media to rally around causes and injustices that matter to them, and everyone is able to hear more than just those stories preferred by the established news cycle.