Fact or Fake? The New Reality of News for Gen Z
In a world where truth competes with lies for likes, the line between news and nonsense is vanishing. For millions of young people scrolling through their feeds, misinformation isn’t just a problem, it’s a silent threat shaping how they see reality.
Today, many young people are surrounded by misinformation and fake news due to the rise in many not reading newspapers and watching the news. Instead, they find themselves getting their information from various social media platforms, like Instagram, TikTok and X.
In July 2025, UK media regulatory body, Ofcom found that 80% of 16-24-year-olds went online to get their news, with 75% looking specifically to social media. For subjects, such as news and politics, X was the platform people aged between 12 and 15 tended to turn to more.
The downside of social media is misinformation and fake news. An annual study by the Reuters Institute found that 56% of people have worries about figuring out what is real or fake online when it comes to news. This shows that while social media makes news more accessible, it also leaves many vulnerable to confusion and mistrust. Without social media accountability, misinformation will continue to shape how teens see the world.
The danger of misinformation on social media goes beyond simply believing the wrong story, it can shape opinions, influence elections, and even put people’s safety at risk. When false information spreads faster than facts, it becomes harder for the truth to be heard. As young people continue to turn to these platforms for news, the challenge is no longer just about access to information, but about protecting the accuracy of it before the damage is done.
Schools and educators are beginning to teach media literacy to help students spot bias, verify sources, and question what they read online. Campaigns by organisations like the BBC’s “Reality Check” and the UK government’s “Media Smart” aim to equip young people with the tools to tell fact from fiction. This is becoming a bigger solution to the spread of misinformation as there are now schemes available to teachers, parents and those of authority that provide them with critical training and resources to open people's eyes to false information.
17-year-old Hafsah from Glasgow gets her news and information from TikTok and Instagram. However, she believes that there are a lot of fake news outlets out there that spread misinformation. She said: “Not everything is factual. People can post anything and say anything.”
17-year-old Emma from Dumbarton gets all her news from X. She believes that social media platforms help educate her on current news. She said: “Because everyone’s entitled to their opinion and everyone likes to share that opinion.”
Overall, social media has a strong dominance over young people and their opinions. It’s clear that fake news doesn't necessarily have to be true – it just needs to be viral.