The public is tired of negative and sad news - Kompas.id
Tired of reading negative and sad news, the public is turning to more positive content delivered in an interesting way. Negative and depressing news such as politics and war are becoming less appealing, leading to a decrease in news consumption among the public.
The wars in Ukraine and the Middle East have influenced this change in news consumption on a global scale. Despite a decrease in interest in news, public trust in news sources remains stable.
News Consumption Trends
According to an analysis by the Reuters Institute at Oxford University based on the YouGov survey, almost four in 10 people worldwide admit to sometimes or often avoiding reading the news. This number has increased compared to previous years, with women and young people feeling particularly fatigued by the overwhelming news cycle.
In a global context, interest in news has decreased, with 46% of respondents stating their interest in news. This represents a decline from previous years, especially in the UK where interest in news has dropped significantly.
Shift to Online News
The shift towards online news consumption is evident, with almost three-quarters of people in the UK getting their news online. Social media platforms like Facebook, Youtube, Whatsapp, and Tiktok are becoming increasingly important sources of news.
Video content, especially short news videos, is gaining popularity among young audiences. Online influencers and content creators are playing a significant role in shaping news consumption habits, particularly on platforms like Tiktok.
The Role of Influencers
Influencers are increasingly overshadowing traditional journalists in conveying news on popular online platforms. Consumers are more likely to engage with content creators who provide a unique and engaging perspective on current events.
While journalism in mainstream media faces challenges, public trust in news remains steady. There are concerns regarding the use of artificial intelligence in news reporting, with the public preferring AI for tasks such as transcription and translation.
Concerns Over AI in Journalism
While AI is welcomed for improving news consumption experiences, there are growing concerns about its potential impact on the journalism industry. The use of AI in generating news content has raised ethical questions and fears of job displacement among journalists.
As media outlets increasingly adopt AI technologies, concerns over misinformation and job security continue to rise. Mainstream media also faces the challenge of declining subscription rates, with only a small percentage of respondents willing to pay for online news.
