Trust Eroding: American Teens View News Media as Biased and Untrustworthy

A study by the News Literacy Project highlights a worrying trend among American teens who express significant distrust in the media. Published in November, the report reveals that 80% of adolescents believe journalists fail to provide unbiased information compared to other sources available online. This skepticism raises important questions about the future of news consumption among younger generations.

Almost half of the teenagers surveyed, specifically 46%, stated that journalists do more harm to democracy than good. This sentiment underlines a critical divide between how today’s youth perceive the role of media and its influence on democratic processes. Further emphasizing this crisis of confidence, a Gallup poll conducted in October 2025 indicates that overall trust in the news media among the general American populace has reached a historic low, with merely 28% expressing a certain level of trust.

Naming the Problem: How Teens View Media

The findings from the News Literacy Project are alarming, with an astonishing 84% of teens describing the news media in negative terms. They frequently use descriptors such as ‘fake,’ ‘biased,’ ‘lies,’ and ‘chaotic’ to characterize the media landscape. In stark contrast, only 9% employed positive descriptors like ‘interesting’ or ‘good,’ and even fewer, about 7%, used neutral terms. Some teens merely associated media with social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube, suggesting a preference for content shared through these channels over traditional news outlets.

Youth Perspectives on Ethical Journalism

Moreover, over half of the teenagers perceive professional journalists as engaging in unethical practices. Key ethical lapses identified include exchanging favors for information, skewing narrative to benefit advertisers, fabricating details, and manipulating multimedia content. This viewpoint signals a growing concern about journalistic integrity among the youth, who are increasingly wary of the motivations behind news reporting.

Cultural References: What Teens Think of Journalism

The survey also encouraged respondents to cite movies or TV shows that came to mind when thinking about journalism. Interestingly, many teens referenced popular media franchises. Among the favorites, the Spider-Man series stood out as a surprising yet common association with journalism. Other notable mentions included classic films such as ‘The Post,’ ‘Spotlight,’ and ‘All the President’s Men,’ alongside the iconic ‘Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.’

This phenomenon suggests that fictional representations of journalism dominate the perceptions of young people. Such references serve as an indication that teens may rely more on dramatizations than on actual journalistic practices, illuminating a potential disconnect from the realities of reporting.

The Evolving Landscape of Trust in News Media

A Gallup poll further reveals a bleak picture of media trust, showing that only 36% of Americans currently express ‘not very much’ trust in news outlets, while 34% claim to have ‘none at all.’ This pattern indicates a significant decline in confidence, marking the first occasion in Gallup’s 50-year polling history that overall trust in the media has dipped below 30%. In 2024, the record low stood at 31%, signifying a concerning trend for journalism in the digital age.

The Implications of Distrust

This decline in trust correlates with a broader discussion about the impact of media bias and sensationalism on public perception. Teens, as the next generation of news consumers, are making their sentiments crystal clear. Understanding their distrust requires acknowledging the role social media plays in shaping their beliefs while also recognizing the need for transparency and credibility from traditional news outlets.

As digital consumption becomes more prevalent, the importance of addressing these issues intensifies. Media organizations must find ways to rebuild trust by adopting ethical standards and promoting transparency in journalism. Given the increasing unease voiced by teenagers, this effort appears critical for the future of news reporting.

Looking Forward: The Future of Journalism and Youth Engagement

The current data prompts important conversations about how journalism can adapt to the changing perceptions of young audiences. Engaging with teens in a more meaningful way could pave the path toward restoring trust. Developing news education initiatives that empower youth to discern quality journalism from misinformation could greatly assist the younger generation in becoming savvy news consumers.

Furthermore, media literacy programs tailored for classrooms can equip teenagers with essential skills to critically evaluate news sources. This approach encourages accountability and holds journalists to higher standards while fostering a sense of responsibility among young audiences.

As the landscape of media continues to evolve with technology and social trends, addressing the skepticism expressed by American teens could play a pivotal role in the revival of ethical journalism. The relationship between the media and its audience will need thoughtful reevaluation to ensure engaging, trustworthy, and informative news experiences for upcoming generations.

Fox News contributed to the coverage of this story.