Recently, it seems like there is more breaking news than ever before, and people are constantly bombarded with new information sent straight to their phone. Technology has allowed for news to be spread in an instant, allowing for people to stay on top of all current events and news. However, with this constant intake of information and media, it can become difficult to know who to trust.
News outlets use social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram reels to reach younger audiences, since these apps have become major sources of information for them. Since anyone can post on these platforms, it’s often hard to know who to trust, and many so-called “news influencers” appear knowledgeable but often lack real expertise or credibility.
With social media the spread of misinformation is more common than ever, leaving young audiences especially vulnerable to its influence. It is important for young people to be informed about crucial information such as politics, pop culture, and the arts, but how do students decide what information to trust and where are they getting it from?
Senior Dylan Feiner shares where she gets her news from, and how she decides what sources to trust.
“Truthfully, I get the majority of my news, especially relating to pop culture, from TikTok. Less frequently, I learn about current events from my family, friends, or teachers. However, I do my best to ensure the information I consume is accurate by comparing various sources,” Feiner said.
These sentiments are shared by many other students, showcasing how TikTok has become a significant platform for the dissemination of news, especially pop culture. Junior Molly Brisman discusses where she gets her news from and how she determines if it’s accurate.
“I am mostly interested in Pop culture and things that affect my daily life. I would say I am pretty knowledgeable on current events and topics, and I mostly get my news from Tiktok or Google. There definitely is a rise of misinformation in the media, and I think this is mostly due to people attempting to push narratives and sway people’s opinions. I mostly watch Tiktoks from the same people who I know I can trust after looking them up briefly and I mostly read news from credible sources,” Brisman said.
In today’s media landscape with the rise of AI, misinformation, and polarized political opinions, remembering to read through objective, nonpartisan news is more important than ever. Understanding media bias and being able to verify sources is increasingly essential for students in today’s world. This is especially true as social media is now the primary news platform for the majority of young adults.
Having good news literacy is a crucial skill for high school students to develop to be informed and active citizens. The younger students develop these skills, the better they become at deciphering who and what to trust.
Feiner shares why she thinks news literacy is important for students.
“I believe it is extremely important for high schools to be up to date on current events, especially doing their best to ensure that the information is accurate. As the youth of society, the future is in our hands, and we must be educated about the current world in preparation for that future,” Feiner said.
When it comes to politics and political news, people are very open and forward about their beliefs of media platforms. There is no doubt that in recent years politics has become incredibly divided, and this divide is amplified by polarized opinions in the news and on social media platforms. It is critical that students are able to absorb political news and verify it, when making political decisions.
Brisman comments on why being up to date with political current events is important for students.
“I think it’s really important for high schoolers to be up to date on current events and have accurate information because they will be voting soon and it’s overall important to have an accurate understanding of what’s happening in the world around you” Brisman said.
