Journalism No Longer Appeals to American Teenagers

Asked by the News Literacy Project for one word to describe today’s news media, 84% of American teens surveyed responded with something negative — “biased,” “crazy,” “boring,” “fake,” “bad,” “depressing,” “confusing” and “scary,” David Bauder reported for the Associated Press (AP).

When the News Literacy Project asked teens what movies or TV shows they associate with journalism, two-thirds couldn’t think of any.

More than half of the teens surveyed believe journalists regularly engage in unethical behaviors such as making up details or quotes in stories, paying sources, taking visual images out of context, or doing favors for advertisers.

Less than a third believe reporters correct their errors, confirm facts before reporting them, gather information from multiple sources, or cover stories in the public interest — practices ingrained in reputable journalism.

Teens reflect the attitudes they’re exposed to, particularly when the most prominent politician of their age has made “fake news” a mantra.

Experts say few teens follow news regularly or learn in school about the purpose of journalism. Journalists themselves don’t help their reputation when mistakes or ethical lapses make headlines.

Opinionated reporters or commentators in an era of political division also leave readers wondering what to believe.

“Some of this (attitude) is earned, but much of it is based on misperception,” said Peter Adams, senior vice president of research and design for the Washington-based News Literacy Project.

When the News Literacy Project asked teens what movies or TV shows they associate with journalism, two-thirds couldn’t think of any.

Those who did most frequently cited the Spider-Man franchise or the film Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.

Upon retiring as editor of Newsday, Howard Schneider helped develop the State University of New York system’s first School of Journalism — but instead of training future reporters, he became drawn to teaching non-journalists how to be informed news consumers.

“The negativity, the feeling that news is biased, is just a reflection of how their parents feel,” Schneider said. “The more they are exposed to news — legitimate news — the more their attitudes turn positive.”