The Reuters Institute recently released the Digital News Report 2022, a comprehensive survey examining how people engage with news worldwide. Conducted by British market research firm YouGuv, the study provides an insight into the changing landscape of journalism and the public’s approach to consuming news in 46 markets across six continents.
Trusting News Content Less
A significant finding from Digital News Report 2022 is the diminishing trust in news content. People across the globe are relying less on news, showing a decline in faith in both the accuracy and objectivity of the information they consume. This trend raises questions about the role of media in society and the impact of misinformation.
Decline in Traditional News Media
Traditional news media such as newspapers and television broadcasts has seen a decrease in consumption. The report highlights that this consumption has diminished in almost all countries surveyed. This decline indicates a shift towards digital platforms for news consumption.
Increase in News Avoidance
Interestingly, the proportion of people who avoid news altogether has increased significantly. This behavior, termed “selective avoidance” by the report, is becoming more apparent globally.
Slow Growth in Digital Subscriptions
Although there are small increases in the proportion of people willing to pay for online news, mainly in wealthier countries, the growth in digital subscriptions for news content appears to be stagnating. The report calls for further exploration of the reasons behind this slowdown.
The Dominant Role of Smartphones
Smartphones have become the preferred way for most people to access news, particularly in the morning. With platforms like Facebook and TikTok gaining popularity, these devices play a pivotal role in how people engage with news.
The Rise of ‘Selective Avoidance’
The report identifies ‘selective avoidance’ – deliberately limiting or rationing news exposure – as a growing trend. There are several reasons behind this phenomenon, including repetitiveness of the news agenda, negative effects on mood, and feelings of powerlessness.
Preferred Modes of News Consumption
Across age groups and markets, most people prefer to read news rather than watch or listen to it. This preference, however, varies significantly based on the region, with certain countries, like Finland, exhibiting a historic pattern of high newspaper consumption.
Smartphones as the Main Gateway to News
With smartphones being the preferred mode of access, direct access to apps and websites is becoming less important. Social media sites are increasingly becoming the main gateway to news due to their widespread use and convenience.
Digital News Trends in India
The report shows that India is a strongly mobile-focused market. The majority of Indian respondents access news through smartphones, and a significant portion do so via computers. Social media platforms such as YouTube and WhatsApp are the primary sources for news, with trust in news showing a slight increase.
