Generation Z prefers social media as its primary news source over print and digital newspapers as a reflection of the ongoing rise of internet platforms.  

 

The 21st century marked its milestone as the century of “The Digital Age.” Newspapers are becoming more transparent and getting closer to the readers as a result of digital newspapers.

 

While digital newspapers continue to thrive with different media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; traditional newspapers face a decline in popularity and challenges in adapting to attract more readers in response to these changes.

 

As a result of easier access to social media, it is considered easier and has faster access to news worldwide. Television and radio news, which were popular as the main ways to get news for people, are now considered less timely and less convenient. 

 

The shift can be attributed to the constant growing influence of the internet in the lives of young adults. With easy access to smartphones and the ubiquity of social media, students find it convenient to stay updated on current events by simply scrolling through their feeds.

 

Leya Li, a student at Carleton University, said accessing news through radio and television can be more challenging and costly, especially for individuals without access to television or radio.

 

She said obtaining news through traditional television and radio is “a thing for the old generation.”

 

“Social media is the only way for me to get access to news,” said Li. “I don’t have a TV or a radio and won’t go to the bookstore to buy a newspaper.”

 

Jasmine Halliday, a linguistics major, echoes Li's sentiment, emphasizing that social media is the only platform she uses to access news.

 

“I’m not a big reader of news so I won’t read it unless it pops up on social media,” said Halliday. “I prefer digital since I’m getting comfortable with the social media formatting.”

 

Reem Srour, an international student from Saudi Arabia, notes that while she occasionally watches TV when time permits, she primarily relies on social media platforms such as Instagram and Twitter for news.

 

When questioned about their concerns regarding the credibility of news on social media, three interviewees expressed apprehension about how social media can manipulate information to promote biased perspectives.

 

“I don’t want to be critical or judgmental when I read the news,” Li said. “I don’t trust news on social media since everything is not true.”

 

“I’m a little more careful now 'cause it’s not coming out from any major trusted news outlet,” said Halliday. “It’s more about individuals creating a formative post.”

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“I deleted my social media because I want to remove myself from it,” said Srour. “I trust print paper more than social media because it’s more precise and has the correct information.”