The NewsWorthy Special Edition: Teens, Trust & Truth - New Data on News Literacy
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Nov 8, 2025 Peter Adams, Senior VP of Research at the News Literacy Project, dives into the alarming distrust teens have towards news media based on a new national survey. He explores why young people often misunderstand journalistic ethics and suggests that social media may be to blame. Peter emphasizes the need for strong news literacy education, highlighting ways to identify credible sources and the dangers of cynicism. With hope for Gen Z and Gen Alpha's media literacy aspirations, he calls for collective action to strengthen trust in journalism.
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Teens Misjudge Newsroom Ethics
- Teens underestimate routine ethical newsroom practices and overestimate unethical behaviors.
- Many teens think making up quotes or giving advertisers special treatment happens often in professional newsrooms.
Social Media Skews Perception Of News
- Social media and entertainment often amplify negative stories about the press, skewing perception.
- Selection bias means people rarely post praise but often complain, making negativity seem dominant.
Check Coverage, Not Screenshots
- Look for evidence of accuracy, fairness, independence, accountability, and public-interest focus when judging a source.
- Check actual coverage instead of trusting social-media screenshots or isolated headlines.