• News Literacy Project study reveals 84% of teens view media negatively
• More than half believe journalists regularly fabricate quotes and details
• Experts say attitudes reflect parental skepticism and lack of news literacy education

NEW YORK, NY (TDR) — A new survey has documented troubling attitudes toward journalism among American teenagers, with an overwhelming majority expressing negative views of the news media at a time when trust in reporting has reached historic lows.

The findings paint a sobering picture of how the next generation perceives the press, raising questions about the future of informed civic participation.

Teens Distrust News Media in Record Numbers

The News Literacy Project surveyed more than 750 teenagers ages 13-18 and found that 84% responded with negative words when asked to describe today's news media (AP News). Common responses included "biased," "crazy," "boring," "fake," "bad," "depressing," "confusing," and "scary."

"Some of this attitude is earned, but much of it is based on misperception."

Peter Adams, senior vice president of research and design for the Washington-based News Literacy Project, acknowledged that journalists bear some responsibility for the skepticism but noted that teen perceptions often reflect misconceptions about how newsrooms actually function (News Literacy Project).

More than half of surveyed teens believe journalists regularly engage in unethical behaviors such as making up details or quotes, paying sources, taking visual images out of context, or doing favors for advertisers. Less than a third believe reporters correct errors, confirm facts before publishing, or gather information from multiple sources (AP News).

Young Journalists Remain Undeterred

Cat Murphy, a 21-year-old graduate student at the University of Maryland's journalism school, has wanted to be a journalist since age 11. Her friends frequently question the decision.

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When peers engage with news at all, they encounter what Murphy describes as "a cacophony of voices" where they don't know who to believe. She regularly hears comments like "You're going to be screaming into the void" and "You're going to be useless" (AP News).

Despite the journalism industry facing continued layoffs and economic challenges, Murphy remains committed to her career path. She believes the industry must adapt by meeting audiences where they are rather than expecting them to seek out traditional news sources (Press Gazette).

News Literacy Education Offers Hope

Howard Schneider, executive director of SUNY Stony Brook's Center for News Literacy, said teen negativity reflects parental attitudes absorbed over time. However, he has found that direct exposure to legitimate news coverage tends to improve young people's perceptions (U.S. News).

Brianne Boyack, a 16-year-old student at Brighton High School in Utah, entered her news literacy course with little trust in journalism. The class taught her to double-check sources and seek reliable outlets—skills that have fundamentally changed how she consumes information (AP News).

Still, news literacy programs remain relatively rare in American schools. Schneider called the situation "an urgent issue," noting that educators often hesitate to advocate for journalism given the profession's damaged reputation (Gallup).

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The latest Gallup polling shows media trust at just 28% among American adults—the lowest reading since tracking began in the 1970s (Gallup).

Can news literacy education reverse declining trust among the generation that will shape journalism's future?

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