In a digital environment where information moves quickly and influencers often shape public opinion it can seem like Gen Z is turning away from traditional journalism. But young people continue to seek credible, professional news, especially when stories are significant or hit close to home. At Owasso High School in Oklahoma, students did just that following the unexpected death of a classmate. Despite false or misleading posts circulating online, many actively sought accurate information and turned to reliable news sources that they felt they could trust.

News literacy advocate Hannah Covington highlights this behavior in an article detailing her conversations with teens about conspiracy theories. Sixteen-year-old Andie Murphy, for example, deleted Instagram over concerns about AI-driven data collection. Once a regular consumer of influencer content, she now checks multiple professional outlets before accepting information as accurate. “I just couldn’t trust what I was seeing anymore,” she said. Her shift reflects a broader change in how Gen Z engages with news.

Recent 2025 studies reinforce this news trust trend

Research from Raptive supports this noted shift in Gen Z’s relationship with news and information. Their study finds that 49% of Gen Z actively verify online information by checking trusted, credible sources, while 55% say they trust content from established experts over influencers or peer posts. Notably, 39% view social platforms as less credible compared to open-web sources. These findings reflect a generation that is not only skeptical, but also intentional in its pursuit of accurate information.

According to the Poynter Institute, while teens may not frequently use dedicated news apps, they actively seek out reliable sources like CNN and the Associated Press during moments of uncertainty. About 20% of surveyed adolescents say they encounter fake news daily. However, many report that they turn to trusted news outlets when crises hit.

Similarly, Common Sense Media found that teens are increasingly wary of digital content, especially AI-generated material. In its 2025 research, teens express deep skepticism toward manipulated images and videos, with one respondent noting, “I already doubt everything I read online.” This mistrust is driving more teens toward professional journalism for verification and reassurance.

Peer fact-checking reinforces news habits

Covington’s reporting also highlights how peer influence reinforces this fact-checking culture. In school libraries and hallways, students openly challenge each other around misinformation. These real-time corrections help shape a community that values accuracy and critical thinking. For Gen Z, information vetting is becoming a social skill.

While teens may not engage with mainstream media daily, they don’t dismiss it. Covington’s interviews confirm that students return to professional news brands when a story feels urgent or emotionally charged. “If it’s big enough, I’ll check real news sites,” one student explained. That behavior underscores an important truth: for Gen Z, trust in established news sources and journalism often reactivates in moments of crisis.

This pattern aligns with Common Sense Media’s findings, which note that teens are eager for tools that help them navigate digital uncertainty. While skepticism runs high, so does the demand for guidance. Likewise, Poynter’s research shows that even teens regularly exposed to misinformation seek clarity from reputable sources during confusing or high-stakes events.

Gen Z’s relationship with news is complex but far from disengaged. They are critical of what they see, cautious about interpreting it, and selective in who they trust. When news matters, especially during confusion, fear, or grief, they turn to professional journalism for clarity. Their behavior suggests a desire not just for content, but for credibility. In a noisy and uncertain information landscape, Gen Z continues to seek out trustworthy news.