Exploring news consumption, trust, and misinformation during COVID-19 in Colombia: a look at Generation Z

Abstract

The outbreak caused by COVID-19 influences news consumption, media trust, and the dissemination of misinformation. The literature reveals that, in Colombia, there is high consumption of information through social networks, skepticism towards the media, and there was dissemination of misinformation on aspects of public management and health information. This article analyzes whether there were differences among the young people of Generation Z in Colombia in their way of consuming information, media trust, and perceptions about misinformation concerning the rest of the surveyed. The research methodology is quantitative and based on a survey (n = 150), deployed during the first quarter of 2021. Data analysis was carried out based on statistical analysis tests. The results show significant differences in behavioral terms among young people under 26 years old regarding receiving news through information channels, particularly social networks. The trust declared towards Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp by the youngest is higher and statistically significant than the other group. Focused on the phenomenon of disinformation, we find evidence of the third-person effect, which establishes users consider that citizens are more exposed to misinformation than themselves. Young people show a prominent concern about misinformation. They also perceive it is disseminated more frequently through all the channels. Regarding the emotional situation after news consumption, the negative ones prevail, which are more salient among young people. In conclusion, this article reveals the distancing of Colombian youth toward traditional media outlets.