Young People in Germany Lean Towards Social Media Over Traditional News Sites
Young individuals favor social media platforms over traditional news sources when it comes to reliance and information seeking.
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Young Germans increasingly trust videos and posts on social media platforms more than content from traditional news sites, according to a recent survey. Among the 20-29 age group, this trust factor applies to a whopping 57%, with a notable surge of 14 percentage points compared to the previous year. The 30-39 age group follows closely, with 51%, marking a 6 percentage point increase year-over-year. Even the 16-19 age group shows a sizable preference for social media, with 44% representation, up by 10 percentage points compared to last year [Source: ntv.de, dpa].
The data, revealed in the "Social Media Atlas 2025," points to a shift in the trust that young people place in traditional versus digital media. This study was commissioned by PER Agency and conducted in cooperation with the Institute for Management and Business Research (IMWF), with responses gathered from more than 3,500 internet users aged 16 and above in December 2024 and January 2025. The annual Social Media Atlas has been tracking social media usage in Germany since 2011.
Factors driving the preference for social media
- Accessibility and Engagement: Social media platforms provide a highly interactive, real-time, and dynamic user experience, which can be more appealing to younger audiences.
- Diverse Perspectives: Social media presents a wide array of viewpoints and opinions, offering young people a wealth of diverse perspectives.
- Real-time Updates: Social media platforms often provide instant updates, making them an increasingly popular source for breaking news.
- Personalization: Algorithms on social media platforms can tailor content to individual interests, increasing its relevance and appeal.
While these factors contribute to a shift in preference, they also bring challenges. The erosion of trust in traditional media and the proliferation of misinformation are critical issues being tackled through initiatives such as those aimed at addressing challenges related to fake news [1]. Ensuring digital inclusion and promoting media literacy among young people are essential for critical evaluation of information from both traditional and social media sources [3].
Community policies need to address the increasing reliance of young Germans on social media for news, as the "Social Media Atlas 2025" reveals a significant shift in trust towards digital media among various age groups. To counteract the negative impacts such as the spread of misinformation, initiatives focused on media literacy and critical thinking are crucial for the youth's ability to discern accurate information from diverse sources, including lifestyle blogs, entertainment platforms, and social-media.
