Nearly three out of four college students get their news from social media, according to a study by Inside Higher Ed. But while it is the most used source, studies say it is also the least trusted. In a growing digital world, misinformation and fake news are becoming increasingly popular. College students are facing issues with deciphering what news they can and can’t trust.

Most students get news from social media

Research shows that students rely heavily on social media to receive their news. A study done by Inside Higher Ed, a publication providing news to the higher education community, showed that 72% of students get their news from social media apps. About 98% of college students have social media accounts and spend multiple hours a day on those platforms. It is also easier than it has ever been to share news. Once a post reaches the right audience, it can spread rapidly. Students have the ability to see a post and immediately share it with as many people as they like, causing a chain reaction. However, many students do not verify the source before sharing it.

Social media is the least trusted source

While social media is the most used by students, it is the least trusted. Only 9% of students say they trust social media to provide accurate news. Social media algorithms prioritize user engagement over exposure to diverse viewpoints. This results in social media apps turning into ec

ho chambers that reflect only the opinions of the user and rarely show them something they would disagree with. This dynamic can contribute to the spread of misinformation and make it harder to distinguish credible reporting from curated content.

Print remains among the most trusted sources

While newspapers are not students’ first source of news, multiple studies show they are the most trusted. Beyond college campuses, the majority of the general population trusts newspapers above any other form of news. Unlike social media platforms that personalize content through algorithms, print publications present the same curated reporting to all readers. Studies also show that Gen Z is starting to go back to physical media as a way to slow down.

The role of student media

Student media is still a necessity in the digital world. According to the International Center for Journalists, student news outlets offer views from students that cannot be found in broader news outlets. Students who participate in these outlets are often taking classes that train them to deliver accurate reporting. They also give students access to tangible media and the opportunity to get their news from a source designed not to drive engagement, but to inform on the concerns of students and their community.