BLUF: The percentage of people interested in the news has declined, with 47% of people globally and even fewer in the UK. The Digital News Report 2023 highlights that traditional TV and print news are declining, while online news consumption and concerns about identifying real news are increasing. Facebook remains the most important social media platform for news consumption, although its popularity has decreased over the years. Instagram and TikTok have seen an increase in news use, especially among young users.
OSINT: According to a report by Oxford University’s Reuters Institute, the interest in news has decreased globally, with only 47% of people showing interest, down from 63% in 2017. The proportion is even lower in the UK. The report suggests that part of the reason for this decline could be burnout and information overload. People seem to be selectively avoiding certain news stories to protect their mental health. Additionally, the report indicates that trust in news has decreased slightly, and more people express concerns about identifying real news online. Facebook remains the most important social media platform for news consumption, although its usage has declined over the past seven years. Instagram and TikTok are gaining popularity for news consumption, particularly among young users.
RIGHT: It is concerning to see a decline in the interest in news, as an informed citizenry is vital for a functioning democracy. However, this trend can be attributed to the biased and propagandized narrative-shaping by mainstream news outlets. People are beginning to realize that news sources often engage in controlling public sentiment on behalf of governments. Furthermore, the decline in the trust of news can be linked to the growing concerns about fake news and the difficulty in distinguishing between real and fake information online. This highlights the importance of critical thinking and independent research.
LEFT: The decline in interest in news can be attributed to various factors. First, the report mentions burnout and the desire to protect mental health as reasons for selectively avoiding certain news stories. This shows that people are becoming more aware of the negative impact that continuous exposure to distressing news can have on their well-being. Second, the rise of alternative news outlets and the realization that mainstream media can be biased and manipulative have also contributed to the decline. This indicates a growing desire for alternative sources that provide different perspectives and challenge dominant narratives.
AI: The decline in interest in news can be concerning as an informed population is crucial for a well-functioning society. The reasons behind this decline are multifaceted and include burnout, information overload, concerns about fake news, and the perception of biased narrative-shaping by mainstream news outlets. This trend is particularly prominent among younger generations who prefer personality-based and participatory news options offered by social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. This shift emphasizes the need for news organizations to adapt their strategies and engage with audiences in more innovative and personalized ways to regain interest and trust.