The truth about young media consumers

Sydney T. Meckler- Sm003614@ohio.edu

What's on the Table

Ever since the launch of the internet, information has become easier to access and share throughout the world. It helps to connect people, inform the public, and entertain. With cell phones, iPads, tablets, and more people now have the ability to constantly stay plugged into the internet.

By accessing news sources through mobile apps, consumers have the option of being informed of the news no matter where they may be.  However, with this innovative technology comes more problems. The issue of trust & privacy are constant topics on the news for social media pages such as Facebook.

The Stats

With the politicized term of “Fake News” gaining traction as a problem within the US, it is helpful to provide some context for how Americans view the issue.

• 54% of US Americans see fake news as a significant problem
• 71% of US Americans see it as a serious problem that “outside groups” are planting fake news on social media
• 41% of US Americans use social media daily to consume news
• 30% of US Americans stated the had “not very much” trust in mass media and 21% stated they had “none at all”.

(Statista, 2019)

The Core of it

Social media sites, though frowned upon by most as a news source stays constant for some consumers to receive their “facts”. While it may seem that it’s only young people on these social platforms exchanging information, according to Oberlo, 77% percent of Gen x & 48.2% of Baby Boomers use social media.

One of the largest problems on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and more is the spread of misinformation.  All too easy, content on the internet can go viral and reach millions of people, even under false pretenses. These can be seen through the 2016 election through the false articles that circulated about candidates from outside organizations.

In 2016, more Americans named Facebook as their personal source of information they used for pre-election political information than any other site.

The Brightside? 

With the distrust of media and the spreading of misinformation on social platforms becoming an increasing problem, I believe it falls on the individuals consuming information online to ensure that the facts they are getting come from reliable sources.

One of the greatest perks that comes along with having a near constant access to information is the speed and availability there is to fact check, search for counter arguments, and stay on top of breaking stories.