Survey reveals that young people do not read politics in conventional media because they detect partisan commitments.

Source: Luca de Tena Foundation Laboratory

A recent survey conducted by the firm George(s) exclusively for The Conversation France confirms once again that young people, in this case the French, feel alienated from the mainstream media because the information published does not appeal to them, either because of bias or because it does not address issues of interest to them. Nor are they comfortable with conventional formats.

The research contradicts several preconceived and ingrained ideas about youth in some areas, revealing that, far from being apathetic or superficial, young people maintain an active interest in the news, although with consumption patterns and thematic preferences different from those of previous generations.

In contrast to adults' attachment to traditional media such as television and radio, young people show a marked preference for digital formats. Platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok and Twitch are increasingly popular among this demographic. The study highlights that while only 26% of 18-24 year olds listen to radio for information, a much higher proportion, 54%, use social media as their primary source of information.

In addition, the survey reveals that young people do not completely reject television as a source of news. They continue to turn to it, especially in times of crisis, although they also access television information through other devices such as smartphones and computers, breaking with the tradition of the fixed newscast schedule.

They reject the partisan commitment of conventional media.

One of the most relevant findings has to do with the consumption of political information. The Conversation survey shows that partisan engagement is considered undesirable by young people, as opposed to engagement with specific causes (environment, gender equality, anti-discrimination, etc.).

It is this commitment to causes that explains why young people seek political information outside the traditional media that still massively address politics through partisan struggles, parliamentary groups, etc. On the other hand, young people find in more specialized media, but more committed, an information offer adapted to their commitment to causes.

Other sections of information other than politics do benefit from better ratings in the aforementioned survey. In first place is culture, with a score of 7 out of 10, followed by science and the environment (6.63). As The Conversation France points out when analyzing the results, "it is therefore not a question of a total depoliticization of information among young people, but of a different policy, which induces political information in other places, in other channels, with other trusted third parties".

A critical point that emerges from the survey is information fatigue and distrust towards traditional media. Young people, while interested in being informed, often feel overwhelmed by the volume and nature of news, leading them to seek out sources they find more relevant and less stressful.