Why People Don’t Read Newspapers Anymore: Is Print Media Outdated?
By: Morgan Lewis
Baltimore, MD - Did you know that in 2022, the anticipated total U.S. daily newspaper circulation (print and digital combined) was 20.9 million on both weekdays and Sundays, down 8% and 10% from 2021 (Pew Research Center)? Remember in old movies, how waking up in the morning with a comfy robe on and a hot cup of coffee in hand to pick up the newspaper was a daily ritual? Today, many of us don't even know when we last picked up a newspaper, if ever. We live in a time dominated by phones, the internet, and social media. Traditional newspapers appear to be losing their relevance. But why have people abandoned newspapers, and what are they reading instead?
The rise of digital media has revolutionized how we consume news. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok have become the go-to sources for information, especially among younger generations. According to the US Newspaper Industry Statistics in 2021, only 12% of U.S. adults reported reading a print newspaper, while 86% said they get their news from a phone, computer, or tablet.
Student scrolls on Instagram page "The Shade Room" for news updates. Credit: Morgan Lewis
Convenience is a major factor in this transition. Why wait for tomorrow's headlines when you can get notifications on your phone? Social media feeds and news apps deliver real-time updates tailored to your interests. For busy students, these platforms are convenient because they provide quick, bite-sized updates on the go. Newspapers, on the other hand, are unable to compete with the speed and accessibility of digital platforms.
To gain a better understanding of where people, particularly college students, get their news, I conducted a survey on campus. Here’s what I found: 83.3% said they get their news from TikTok, 33.3% from Instagram, 0% use news apps, 16.7% use podcasts, and another 16.7% use YouTube.
This preference for convenience comes at a cost, the reliability and depth of the information. Social media is filled with misinformation and unreliable/unverified content. According to a study by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, only 29% of people under 35 trust the news they see on social media, compared to the 57% who trust traditional news sources.
How Can We Fix This?
Encouraging students to check out more reliable news sources involves mixing education, and technology, and forming new habits. Here are some steps we can take:
1. Follow trustworthy news accounts on social media: You don't have to give up scrolling through TikTok or Instagram, just add these news channels to your feed. There are plenty of credible news outlets on social media, so start following them for news updates. (e.g. The Washington Post, The New York Times, BBC News, etc.)
2. Listen to podcasts: Tons of podcasts can give you a rundown of what's going on in the world, like The Daily, NPR, and The Morning Wire. You can listen during your commute or while doing daily tasks to stay informed without having to read long articles.
3. Set up notifications: On news apps, you can set up notifications so you can get important updates with just a click.
Why Is This Important?
The shift from traditional news sources is scary as it directly affects the reliability of the information students consume. While social media may be convenient, it lacks the high standards upheld by established news organizations. Whether digital or in print, traditional news outlets rely on fact-checking, editorial oversight, and professional reporting, to ensure the accuracy of the media we consume.
When students turn to social media for news, they risk being exposed to misinformation or missing out on the truth of important stories. This has long-term consequences, not only for their understanding of current events but also for their engagement in civic duties such as voting, activism, and community involvement.
In a world where "fake news" is a growing issue, it is crucial to equip the next generation with the tools to seek out and trust reliable information.
Tips for Finding Reliable News Sources
Check the Source: Always verify that the news is coming from a credible and well-established outlet. If you're unsure, check the site’s “About” section or research its reputation.
Diversify Your News: Don't rely on one platform or outlet for all your news. Follow a mix of traditional outlets and independent journalism to get a fuller picture of events.
Fact-Check: When reading something on social media, take a moment to cross-reference it with trusted news sources. (You can use any news source mentioned throughout the article)
In a world full of information, it's so tempting to go for what's convenient rather than what's reliable. But when it comes to staying informed, the source matters. By actively seeking out credible news sources, whether on social media, podcasts, or in traditional journalism, students can empower themselves to better comprehend the world they live in. It’s time to prioritize accuracy and depth over speed and convenience—because an informed generation is an empowered one. Let's make the effort to seek out the truth, not just the headlines.By: Morgan Lewis
Contributions:
“Newspapers Fact Sheet.” Pew Research Center, Pew Research Center, 10 Nov. 2023, www.pewresearch.org/journalism/fact-sheet/newspapers/#:~:text=U.S.%20newspapers%20below.-,Audience,and%2010%25%20respectively%20from%202021.
Nic Newman 14th June 2023, and Nic Newman. “Overview and Key Findings of the 2023 Digital News Report.” Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/digital-news-report/2023/dnr-executive-summary. Accessed 9 Sept. 2024.
“US Newspaper Industry Statistics.” US Newspaper Industry Statistics & Facts (2024) - Redline Digital, redline.digital/us-newspapers-statistics/#:~:text=About%2086%25%20of%20US%20adults,while%2037%25%20used%20social%20media. Accessed 9 Sept. 2024.
Photo: By: Morgan Lewis
Audio: By: Morgan Lewis
Blog #1 - COMM 240
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