Six years of research from the #UseTheNews project demonstrate that young people’s formation of information and opinions is a complex and diverse process that is strongly shaped by digital platforms. Journalism and education should design offerings for young people that are equally diverse. The research overview is available online in German.
In their study overview, Dr. Leonie Alatassi and Dr. Sascha Hölig summarize the findings from their #UseTheNews research project and offer specific recommendations for action in journalism, education, and media literacy. Thus, the research overview builds on the findings published this week by the independent expert commission “Protection of Children and Youth in the Digital World” and supplements them with a key perspective. In addition to protecting young people in the digital space, the report breaks down the skills they need to navigate it independently.
The synopsis shows that young people are neither generally disengaged from the news nor disinterested in politics. However, they obtain information in very different ways, do not always distinguish between sources clearly, and are increasingly guided online by individual personalities. The key point is this: Platforms alone do not determine what becomes relevant; rather, it is the need for guidance, a sense of belonging, and connection that does. For journalism and education, this means addressing young people in a nuanced way, taking information inequalities seriously, and creating offerings that strengthen trust, knowledge, and social participation,” says Dr. Leonie Alatassi, the author.
The expert commission appointed by Federal Minister for Family Affairs Karin Prien (CDU) also addresses this expanded need for action in its 56 recommendations. The recommendations address potential age restrictions for social media, increased media education in schools, teaching young people to competently use artificial intelligence from an early age, and stricter protective measures for platforms.
Implications for Media and Educational Offerings
The findings of the #UseTheNews study indicate that, for media companies and journalists, professional journalism remains an important source of information for young people. However, to reach those who have largely been overlooked thus far, more is needed than a mere “rejuvenation” of content. Journalistic content must be produced, presented, and communicated differently: grounded in everyday life, understandable, and on an equal footing. Collaborating with content creators can strengthen reach and credibility.
This gives rise to specific requirements for media education. News and information literacy must be consistently tailored to the varying circumstances of young people based on their educational background, age, and life situation. A low sense of self-efficacy is one of the greatest barriers to democratic participation. Therefore, educational programs should enable experiences that foster a sense of agency. For example, young people could set their own topics, help shape decisions, and experience the impact of their involvement through projects. At the same time, algorithmic literacy and awareness of the opportunities and risks of AI must be strengthened. Effective media education integrates schools, families, peer groups, and digital environments.
This research overview provides a strong scientific foundation for taking action in journalism and education where it is most needed. News and information literacy is no longer a niche topic but a key competency for democratic participation, requiring the shared responsibility of the media, schools, families, and policymakers. This is precisely what we are working on as an initiative. Our goal is to ensure that every schoolchild in Germany has access to mandatory instruction in news and information literacy by 2030,” says Vanessa Bitter, executive director of UseTheNews gGmbH.