New study suggests misperceptions drive distrust of news media among Gen Z and Gen Alpha

‘We’re raising generations of kids who don’t trust the press’

WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 6 – A new study by the News Literacy Project finds that more American teens think reporters are skilled at lying than informing the public, and roughly half think the news media frequently engages in unethical practices such as making up quotes. 

The study, “Biased,” “Boring” and “Bad”: Unpacking perceptions of news media and journalism among U.S. teens (2025), paints a shockingly bleak picture of how young people view the press. It also sheds light on what might drive that cynicism: There is a chasm between what teens think is going on in newsrooms, versus what happens every day at credible outlets.

The report underscores the urgent need to make news literacy education a requirement for high school graduation, so young people can make informed decisions about what information to trust and understand why a free press matters in their lives. Earlier research shows that teens who are taught media literacy lessons — and most aren’t — are more likely to trust the press.

“We’re raising generations of kids who don’t trust the press, potentiallybecause no one has taught them how credible newsrooms operate or how to distinguish between news and other kinds of information. But behind these grim numbers is a solution: Media and news literacy education,” said Kim Bowman, co-author of the study and Senior Manager of Research at the News Literacy Project. 

The results are based on a nationally representative survey of more than 750 teens aged 13–18 conducted this spring. Among the findings: 

• An overwhelming majority of teens (84%) express a negative sentiment when asked what word best describes news media. Words or phrases used most frequently were synonymous with being inaccurate and deceptive, such as “Fake,” “False” and “Lies.”
• Even when prompted to consider what journalists are doing well, about 1 in 3 teens said something negative like “Telling lies,” “Reporting fake news,” “Spreading misinformation” and “Gaslighting.”
• Many teens believe that journalists frequently engage in the following unethical behaviors: “give advertisers special treatment” (49%), “make up details, such as quotes” (50%), “pay or do favors for sources” (51%) or “take photos and videos out of context” (60%). 
• Most teens (68%) can’t think of any representations of the press on TV or in movies, but if they do, chances are they name pop culture representations that are unflattering or inaccurate. 

“These kinds of misconceptions make Gen Alpha and Gen Z vulnerable to viral rumors, conspiracy theories and propaganda that undermine their civic power and participation,” said Peter Adams, co-author of the study and Senior Vice President of Research and Design at the News Literacy Project. 

The report includes recommendations for education leaders, parents and families, and even the entertainment industry. They include integrating news literacy instruction in K-12 nationwide, teaching teens how to distinguish news versus other kinds of information, and acknowledging examples of high-quality journalism. 

“Gen Z and Gen Alpha are struggling with the speed, volume and complexity of today’s information environment. News literacy education helps them cut through the noise so they can make more informed decisions about what information to trust,” said Charles Salter, President and CEO of the News Literacy Project. 

About the News Literacy Project

The News Literacy Project is a nonpartisan education nonprofit that works with teachers, school districts, states and community partners like libraries and after-school clubs to ensure students in all 50 states receive news literacy instruction before they graduate from high school. Learn more at www.newslit.org.