Young adults aged 18 to 29 in the U.S. are significantly less likely than older generations to follow the news regularly. Only 15% of young adults say they follow news all or most of the time, compared to 62% of those aged 65 and above, says PEW Research Centre. They rely more on social media.
This downward trend has been consistent since 2016, reflecting a generational shift in news engagement.
Different Interests and News Topics Among Young Adults
Young adults tend to focus less on government, politics, science, and finance news. They are slightly less likely to follow sports but are far more interested in entertainment news.
About one-third of young adults get entertainment news often or extremely often, more than double the rate of older adults aged 65 and above. This shift illustrates how news preferences differ markedly by age. However, despite low intentional news-seeking, young adults often receive news incidentally in their daily digital experiences.
Intentional Versus Incidental News Consumption
Only 22% of young adults say they often or extremely often seek out news intentionally. Yet, 70% report that they get political news mainly because they happen to come across it, rather than actively pursuing it.
This contrasts with older adults who mainly seek out political news deliberately. Social media platforms serve as a primary source for such incidental news exposure for young adults, often exposing them to news alongside other content they consume.
Sources and Trust: Young Adults’ Digital News Landscape
Young adults overwhelmingly prefer digital devices for news (93%), chiefly social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Compared to only 28% of those 65 and older, 76% of young adults get news from social media at least sometimes. Many also turn to “news influencers”—social media personalities who share news and opinions—trusting them more than traditional news outlets. Around 38% of young adults regularly get news from these influencers, a much higher share than older generations.
Despite this, young adults are less likely than older people to trust traditional national and local news organizations. This skepticism partly stems from their effort to seek alternative sources for fuller or less biased perspectives. However, they tend to trust social media information more than older cohorts, reflecting a different relationship with digital news content.
Redefining Journalists and Accepting Advocacy
Young adults have a broader view of who qualifies as a journalist, encompassing newsletter writers, podcasters, and social media content creators. Only about half of adults under 30 prefer news from people they consider journalists, compared to almost 70% of those 65 and older. Younger people are also more accepting of journalists expressing political, religious, and community advocacy positions on social media, diverging from older generations valuing neutrality more. For example, 63% of young adults say it is acceptable for journalists to advocate for their communities on social media, compared with 45% of those over 65.
Why Do Young Adults Follow the News Less Closely?
Several factors contribute to this trend:
Young adults feel less connected or attached to their communities compared to older adults, possibly reducing motivation to follow local and national news. Many young people report that news often makes them feel scared or confused, which can lead to avoidance to protect their mental wellbeing.
Their social media habits expose them to news incidentally, reducing the need to seek news actively but also affecting the depth of engagement. Many young adults prefer news that feels relatable, trustworthy, and explains different viewpoints clearly, often found through influencers or personalized digital content.
As the U.S. news landscape evolves, young adults’ distinct habits highlight changing ways society consumes and interacts with information. Their preference for digital, social media-driven, and influencer-based news signals a shift likely to shape journalism and news engagement in coming decades.
FAQ: Young Adults and News Consumption
Why don’t young adults follow the news actively?
They often feel overwhelmed or disconnected, and incidental exposure through social media fulfills basic news needs. Emotional impact also plays a role.
Which platforms do young adults use most for news?
They primarily use social media like TikTok and Instagram, and also follow news influencers rather than traditional outlets.
Do young adults trust traditional news organizations?
Generally, they trust them less than older adults and prefer diverse or alternative sources for a fuller picture.
How do young adults define journalists?
Broader than older generations; it includes content creators, newsletter writers, and podcasters in addition to traditional reporters.
Is incidental news exposure a bad thing?
It can increase news awareness but may limit depth and critical engagement compared to intentional news seeking.
