Gen Z has grown up in a world overflowing with digital content. From memes and social media to videos and news, they’re always online, engulfed in a torrent of information. So, how do these teens and young adults determine what’s important or true?
Don’t Miss:
A recent study by Jigsaw, a Google subsidiary, aimed to find out. Researchers wanted to understand how Gen Z processes the constant flow of online content. Surprisingly, they discovered that Gen Z doesn’t follow a straightforward path to verify information. Instead, they rely on a practice called “information sensibility,” which means they use social cues to judge credibility.
Information Sensibility Over Literacy
Gen Z isn’t interested in deeply fact-checking information like older generations. Instead, they quickly read headlines and scroll through comments to see what others say. They trust influencers and peers more than traditional news sources. If an article is too long or has ads, they skip it.
They also don’t want content that makes them think too hard or upset. Their main goal is to stay updated and relevant within their social circles.
Timepass Mode
The study found that Gen Z spends most of their online time in “timepass” mode, engaging with light, easy content to avoid boredom. When they need to learn something specific, they might use a search engine, but usually, they get their information from social media feeds tailored to their interests and trusted sources. If something shows up in their feed, they assume it’s important.
21-year-old Kathy told the researchers how she consumes content: “[My feed] sends me videos like today’s news or what’s going on in pop culture or skin care or clothing … I don’t personally seek out news … When you are constantly exposed to [news like school shootings], you feel more sad. You want to watch something that brings you joy or entertainment …[Though] you should be aware of what’s going.”
Trending: 1 in 4 Americans own a share of Bitcoin according to NASDAQ, how many people got started through this free crypto faucet?
Influencer Trust
For Gen Z, influencers are the go-to sources for information. They trust these online personalities because they feel authentic and relatable. This generation outsources their trust to influencers and sticks with their loyalty. Falling out of an influencer’s group can be socially costly since these influencers are their primary information sources.
Social Signals Over Facts
Gen Z’s approach to online content isn’t about finding the ultimate truth but fitting in with their peers. They check comments for information to avoid saying something that might get them “canceled.” In their world, social signals from friends and influencers determine what’s relevant and trustworthy.
Less News, More Social
Gen Z consumes less formal news and relies more on social networks like everyone else. Platforms like TikTok are popular because influencers digest and summarize news, making it more accessible and less overwhelming.
The Big Picture
While this study might make it seem like Gen Z is not interested in the truth, it’s more about how they process information differently. They’re not less intelligent or diligent; they just use their critical thinking skills selectively, focusing on what’s immediately relevant to them.
Read Next: