A new study by the News Literacy Project reveals that American teenagers are increasingly skeptical of the news media, with negative attitudes widespread among 13- to 18-year-olds.
The fall survey found that 84% of teens used words like “biased,” “fake,” “boring,” or “confusing” to describe today’s news media. More than half of respondents believed journalists frequently engage in unethical practices, such as fabricating details, misrepresenting sources, or favoring advertisers. Fewer than a third trusted reporters to verify facts, correct errors, or act in the public interest.
Experts note that teens’ views are shaped both by exposure to critical messaging—particularly political rhetoric labeling news as “fake”—and by limited direct engagement with legitimate journalism. Many teenagers rely on social media for information and rarely encounter news literacy education in schools.
“The negativity, the feeling that news is biased, is just a reflection of how their parents feel,” said Howard Schneider, executive director of SUNY Stony Brook’s Center for News Literacy. “The more exposed to news, legitimate news, the more their attitudes turn positive.”
Students like 16-year-old Brianne Boyack of Brighton High School in Utah say news literacy courses have helped them better evaluate sources and understand journalistic standards. Her classmate, Rhett MacFarlane, applied these skills to verify a rumor about a Louvre robbery, realizing the importance of professional fact-checking.
For aspiring journalists, the skepticism is challenging but not discouraging. College student Cat Murphy said her peers often question why she would pursue a career in a “dying” and distrusted industry, yet she remains committed to producing reliable reporting and building trust with audiences.
Journalism educators emphasize that reversing this trend requires both industry adaptation and education. Murphy noted the need for media outlets to embrace social media and other platforms to reach audiences where they are, rather than expecting readers to seek them out.
“The only way to turn it around is to switch to doing things that captivate people today, as opposed to captivating people 20 years ago,” Murphy said.
As the media landscape evolves, experts argue that expanding news literacy programs and fostering engagement with trustworthy journalism will be essential to ensure the next generation values accurate reporting.
