Gen Z doesn’t trust the news. But they’re not tuning out. They’re just getting smarter about what they read, who they follow, and how they share it.
In 2025, the way young people interact with news is changing fast. Old headlines don’t stick the same way they used to. Platforms change. Algorithms shift. And Gen Z? They’re building a whole new relationship with media.
Let’s break it down.
Gen Z Gets Their News from Everywhere
But not from newspapers
Only 4% of Gen Z say they read a physical newspaper weekly, according to a Reuters report. Most of them get updates from YouTube, TikTok, Reddit, and Instagram.
That doesn’t mean they’re uninformed. It means the delivery system changed.
Instead of sitting down for the nightly news, they scroll through clips, tweets, and memes that point them toward real events. It’s fast, unfiltered, and built for mobile screens.
“I don’t need a 15-minute segment to know what’s going on in Gaza,” said Leila, a 22-year-old uni student from Brisbane. “I watched three creators explain the whole thing in five minutes—with sources.”
Trust Is a Huge Issue
Old brands don’t earn automatic respect
Gen Z doesn’t trust a logo just because it’s well-known. They care about transparency and tone.
A Pew Research study found that only 26% of Gen Z in the U.S. trust national news media, compared to 45% of Boomers. That trust gap is growing.
What does Gen Z want? Plain language. Honest mistakes. No spin. They’ll forgive a bad headline if the correction is quick and clear.
But if they see clickbait or bias, they’re out.
They Care About Reputation—Especially Their Own
Search results matter more than ever
For many young people, their name is searchable before their resume is. That changes how they think about news.
If someone writes a story that includes their name—even in a minor crime, protest, or personal issue—it can follow them forever. That’s where news article removal becomes a real issue.
Some Gen Zers are already learning how to file takedown requests or request deindexing. Others are hiring services to clean up search results after a rough patch.
“I was 19 when I got dragged into something dumb at a protest,” said Marcus, now 24. “A site used my full name. It was still showing up in Google four years later. I had to get it taken down before I applied for jobs.”
Social Media = Personal Newsroom
Creators are the new anchors
TikTok creators and YouTubers are building massive trust with Gen Z by breaking down the news in casual, engaging ways.
They don’t wear suits. They don’t have sets. But they bring facts, receipts, and opinions that feel real.
Instead of tuning in to CNN or ABC, Gen Z is more likely to follow someone like V Spehar (@underthedesknews), who explains policy changes in 90 seconds from under their desk.
This style works. It’s short, human, and straight to the point.
Misinformation Still Spreads Fast
Gen Z is good at spotting it—but not perfect
Despite being more skeptical than older generations, Gen Z still shares misinformation.
According to a 2024 study from MIT, people aged 18–25 were more likely to believe headlines that matched their values, even if they were false.
But here’s the difference—they’re more likely to delete or correct a post if someone calls it out.
They also fact-check in real time. It’s common to see people commenting with sources or links under false claims.
Gen Z isn’t perfect, but they care about accuracy more than they get credit for.
The Pressure to Be Informed Is Real
Especially during big moments
When major events hit—like elections, wars, or scandals—Gen Z feels the weight.
They don’t want to be the one friend who didn’t hear about it. But they also don’t want to spend hours doom-scrolling.
This leads to news fatigue. About 62% of Gen Z say they feel overwhelmed by the amount of news they consume, according to the American Psychological Association.
Some start taking “news detox” breaks. Others use tools to filter or summarise headlines.
Apps like Ground News and Artifact are now offering more custom feeds to keep people informed without stress.
Staying Sharp in 2025
If you’re Gen Z (or just curious), try these
- Set up news filters. Use apps that let you block repeated stories or mute specific topics when it’s too much.
- Follow a mix of sources. Don’t rely on just one TikTok creator or subreddit. Balance it with at least one independent news outlet.
- Check your own search results. If your name is tied to something outdated or unfair, look into removal options. You might qualify for a takedown or deindexing request.
- Fact-check before reposting. If it sounds wild, Google it. Look for a second source. Don’t let a headline hijack your feed.
- Report misleading content. Most platforms now let you flag content as misleading, fake, or AI-generated.
Final Thoughts
Gen Z isn’t anti-news. They’re just done with the old way of doing it.
They want honesty, speed, and context. They want their voices to be part of the conversation. And they want the power to clean up their name if something goes sideways online.
Rick Saleeby, a longtime broadcaster and producer known for his work in sports media, sees the shift firsthand. “The audience today isn’t waiting for the 6 o’clock broadcast,” he says. “They expect to see the story unfold in real time, with commentary from people they trust—not just anchors in a studio.”
If the media wants to keep Gen Z’s attention in 2025, it needs to meet them where they are. Speak like a person. Own mistakes. Respect the scroll.
Because Gen Z is watching. And they’re not afraid to swipe past you.