Study shows 81% of American teens believe in conspiracy theories and rising distrust in news media

A new report by the News Literacy Project (NLP) has found that American teenagers are regularly exposed to conspiracy theories on social media, with many accepting them as true.

The study, conducted among over 1,000 teens aged 13-18, shows that 81% of those exposed to conspiracy theories believe at least one of them.

Despite the growing influence of misinformation, 94% of teens expressed a desire for media literacy to be taught in schools. However, only 39% said they received any formal instruction on this subject during the 2023-24 school year.

The report, titled News Literacy in America: A Survey of Teen Information Attitudes, Habits & Skills, was released as part of U.S. Media Literacy Week and stresses the importance of teaching students how to assess news and information critically.

Charles Salter, CEO and President of the News Literacy Project, stated:

"As we head into the final stretch of an election season defined by the spread of information disorder, this survey demonstrates that we urgently need to prepare our young people to discern credible news from misleading or false information. America's teens need to learn news literacy skills so they can be more informed voters of the future."

Conspiracy theories spread widely on social media

The research revealed that eight out of 10 teens come across conspiracy theories on social media at least once a week. Some of the most common narratives include claims about the 2020 election being rigged, the dangers of the COVID-19 vaccine, and even the flat Earth theory. This widespread exposure to conspiracy content is concerning, as it demonstrates how misinformation can shape young people's perceptions.

Of those surveyed, almost half believe that the press harms democracy more than it protects it. Furthermore, 80% stated that news organisations are no more trustworthy than other online content creators, reflecting deep-rooted scepticism towards traditional media sources.

Despite these challenges, the study found that media literacy education can have a positive impact on teens' information habits. Those who had received some instruction in media literacy were more likely to fact-check information before sharing it and reported greater trust in news sources. These students also displayed more critical thinking skills, such as identifying AI-generated images and engaging in activities that challenge misinformation.

"This study underscores how vitally important news literacy skills are in an information environment dominated by social media. These platforms are home to harmful conspiracy theories, and our results show that American teens are not exempt from being exposed to, or potentially even influenced by them," said Dr. Kim Bowman, a co-author of the report.

"We need to do everything we can to be sure that young people know how to protect themselves from falsehoods – and this report shows that our students are emphatically asking for media literacy to be taught in schools."

Distrust in media and the role of education

The findings also indicate that many teens view news media with distrust. Only 20% of respondents felt that news organisations were more reliable than other online content creators. This growing cynicism presents a challenge for educators and policymakers trying to foster a generation of critical thinkers who engage with credible information.

The study recommends that media literacy become a priority in school curricula to help students better navigate the complex information ecosystem. Teens who received media literacy education were more likely to exhibit healthier media habits, such as seeking diverse sources of news and thinking critically about the information they consume.

The News Literacy Project’s report calls for educators, parents, and policymakers to ensure that media literacy is a central part of students' education. Without this, the report argues, young people will remain vulnerable to misinformation and may be less prepared for active citizenship.

Dr. Lance Holbert, Director of the Leonore Annenberg Institute for Civics at the University of Pennsylvania, emphasised the importance of addressing this issue through formal education:

"The News Literacy in America report identifies that the country's youth want media literacy to be offered in schools, and the findings could not make it any clearer that the subject needs to become a curricular priority.

"It should serve as a wake-up call for educating the nation's youth about the value of quality journalism for a sustainable democracy."