An Exploratory Study on News Consumption Habits and Media Credibility among Youths- A Literature Review

Abstract

The widespread adoption of digital technologies and social media has fundamentally reshaped the way people access, consume, and engage with news, particularly among younger generations. Unlike traditional media, digital platforms offer immediate, personalized, and interactive access to information, making them the preferred source of news for many young users. However, this transformation has also introduced significant challenges, including the rapid dissemination of misinformation, the spread of unverified content, algorithmic bias, and declining trust in news sources. This literature review critically examines existing research on digital news consumption patterns and perceptions of media credibility among youth. It synthesizes scholarly findings on the factors influencing trust in news, the role of social media platforms in shaping information-seeking behaviour, and the growing concerns regarding fake news and information verification. The review also explores the importance of media literacy, fact-checking practices, and critical evaluation skills in enabling young audiences to distinguish credible information from misleading content. Furthermore, it identifies important research gaps, particularly the limited empirical evidence from semi-urban, rural, and regional contexts where digital media adoption is expanding rapidly but remains underexplored. By consolidating current knowledge and highlighting emerging challenges, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of the evolving relationship between digital media and news credibility. The findings underscore the need for strengthened media literacy initiatives, responsible digital journalism, and context-specific research to foster informed, critical, and responsible news consumption among young audiences in the digital age.