Listen to the article
In a promising sign for media literacy, Flemish youth are demonstrating more sophisticated news consumption habits than commonly believed, according to new research released this week.
The 2025 News Barometer, published Wednesday by the Arteveld College of Higher Education, reveals that young people in Flanders are increasingly savvy about their information sources, despite widespread concerns about social media’s influence on news consumption patterns among younger generations.
The study found that while teenagers and young adults in the Dutch-speaking northern region of Belgium frequently encounter news through social media platforms, most don’t rely exclusively on these channels. Instead, they actively seek information from multiple sources, suggesting a level of media awareness that contradicts popular narratives about youth being passive consumers of whatever content algorithms serve them.
Particularly encouraging is the finding that many young Flemish people demonstrate skill in identifying misinformation—an essential ability in today’s complex information landscape where fabricated content can spread rapidly across digital platforms.
However, the research also highlights concerning trends. This same skepticism that helps young people spot fake news appears to have fostered broader distrust toward legitimate news sources. This growing cynicism reflects a wider phenomenon observed across Western democracies, where declining trust in institutions extends to mainstream media outlets.
Perhaps most troubling is the revelation that approximately half of all Flemish youth aged 12 to 26 report actively avoiding news entirely. This “news avoidance” phenomenon has become increasingly common in recent years, with young people citing reasons ranging from news fatigue to mental health preservation.
Media experts suggest this avoidance may stem from the overwhelming volume of negative headlines, particularly following years of pandemic coverage, political polarization, and reports on climate change. Young people, more than previous generations, appear to be making conscious choices about when and how they engage with potentially distressing information.
For Flanders, a region with a robust media market and strong public broadcasting tradition, these findings present both challenges and opportunities. Belgium’s complex media landscape—split along linguistic lines between Dutch, French, and German-speaking communities—has historically maintained high journalistic standards while navigating regional political sensitivities.
The study comes at a critical time for European media literacy initiatives, as the European Union continues to strengthen regulations around digital content through frameworks like the Digital Services Act, which aims to combat misinformation while protecting free expression online.
Educational institutions and media organizations across Belgium have increasingly incorporated media literacy into curricula, recognizing that developing critical thinking skills around information consumption is essential for civic participation in a democratic society.
The Arteveld College’s research suggests these efforts may be bearing fruit, though incompletely. While young Flemish citizens demonstrate admirable skills in evaluating information sources, the high rate of news avoidance indicates that engaging young audiences remains a significant challenge for traditional news outlets.
Industry observers note that news organizations serving Flanders—including public broadcaster VRT and commercial outlets—must continue adapting their formats and distribution strategies to meet young audiences where they are, while maintaining journalistic integrity.
The study serves as a valuable snapshot of media consumption habits in one of Europe’s most digitally connected regions, potentially offering insights for news organizations and educators throughout the continent grappling with similar challenges around youth engagement with current events.
As digital platforms continue evolving and information ecosystems grow increasingly complex, understanding how young people navigate news will remain crucial for ensuring informed citizenship in the decades ahead—making research like the Arteveld College’s barometer essential for policymakers, educators, and media professionals alike.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
8 Comments
The study’s findings highlight both the progress and challenges in youth news consumption habits. While the ability to identify misinformation is commendable, the doubts about legitimate news sources are concerning. Continued education and outreach will be key to cultivating an informed citizenry.
This research highlights the complexity of modern news consumption. It’s heartening that young people are demonstrating media savvy, but the lingering doubts about legitimate sources are worrying. Continued efforts to promote digital literacy and source verification seem essential.
The findings about young people’s ability to identify misinformation are quite promising. In an age of rampant fake news, equipping the next generation with these skills is vital. However, the doubts about legitimate news sources are a concern that warrants further investigation and remediation.
While it’s good news that youth can identify misinformation, the finding that they also doubt legitimate news sources is concerning. Maintaining trust in reputable media outlets is important for a healthy democracy. Ongoing media literacy education will be key.
You make a good point. Striking the right balance between healthy skepticism and indiscriminate doubt is crucial. Building critical thinking skills while also reinforcing the value of quality journalism will be an important task.
This is a nuanced issue. On one hand, the fact that youth can spot misinformation is a positive development. But the lack of trust in reputable news outlets is troubling. Ensuring a well-informed public, especially among the younger demographic, should be a key priority.
I agree. Striking the right balance between healthy skepticism and indiscriminate distrust is crucial. Ongoing efforts to promote media literacy and reinforce the value of quality journalism will be essential in addressing this challenge.
This is an interesting finding. It’s encouraging that young people are developing stronger media literacy skills, even as they navigate the challenges of the digital information landscape. Fact-checking and source verification are crucial abilities in the modern world.