A recent study from the News Literacy Project indicates that American teenagers harbor significant distrust towards the news media. Conducted between April and May 2025, the survey revealed that an overwhelming 84 percent of teens described the media using negative terms such as “fake,” “biased,” and “lies.” Conversely, only 9 percent of respondents offered positive descriptors like “interesting” or “good.”
The study, which targeted individuals aged 13 to 18, also uncovered troubling perceptions about the ethics of journalism. More than half of the participants expressed concerns that journalists often engage in unethical practices, such as fabricating details or providing preferential treatment to advertisers. Alarmingly, less than a third of respondents believe that reporters routinely correct their mistakes or verify facts prior to publication, practices fundamental to credible journalism.
The findings reflect a stark detachment among teenagers regarding the health of the news industry. According to the researchers, “About two-thirds (67%) of the teens we surveyed said they are a little or not at all concerned about the sharp decline in the number of news organizations in the U.S. over the last 20 years.”
Widespread Skepticism and Cultural Influence
Peter Adams, a senior vice president of research and design for the News Literacy Project, acknowledged that while some skepticism is justified, much of it stems from misconceptions about journalism. Adams noted that many teenagers do not engage with the news regularly, nor do they receive adequate education about journalism’s role in society. Their views often mirror those of the adults around them, contributing to a cycle of distrust.
Popular culture also impacts teenagers’ perceptions of journalism. When asked to name a movie or television show that represents journalism, respondents frequently mentioned the Spider-Man franchise and the comedy Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy. Both portrayals fail to provide a positive image of the profession. In contrast, the classic investigative film All the President’s Men received far less recognition from the surveyed teens.
The study further highlighted a disturbing belief among teenagers regarding the integrity of news reporting. Half of the respondents (50%) indicated that they think journalists frequently fabricate details to make stories more engaging. A significant number also expressed doubts about the media’s commitment to correcting errors, with only 23 percent believing that journalists do so regularly. Nearly 40 percent of teens think corrections happen only sometimes or rarely.
Broader Trends in Trust
These findings are consistent with a wider trend observed among American adults. A Gallup poll conducted in October revealed that trust in news media has plummeted, with only 28 percent of all Americans expressing a “great deal” or “fair amount” of trust in news organizations.
The implications of this study are profound. As younger generations increasingly disengage from news media, the potential for a more informed public diminishes. Addressing these perceptions may require a concerted effort from news organizations to rebuild trust and demonstrate the value of ethical journalism in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
