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College Students Favor TikTok Over Traditional News in 2025

Source: Why college students prefer News Daddy over The New York Times (2025-11-25)

Despite awareness of misinformation risks, Gen Z and millennial students increasingly turn to TikTok and Instagram for news, reshaping media consumption habits in 2025. Ankit Khanal, a college sophomore, exemplifies this trend, frequently engaging with TikTok influencers like Dylan Page, whose "News Daddy" empire has garnered over 1.5 billion likes since 2020. These influencers deliver breaking news, politics, and pop culture in engaging formats, often blending entertainment with information. Recent studies reveal that over 70% of college students prefer social media platforms for news updates, citing convenience, entertainment value, and the personalized nature of content. Interestingly, despite recognizing the prevalence of misinformation, students continue to rely on these platforms, trusting influencers they perceive as relatable and authentic. This shift is driven by several factors: the decline of traditional newspapers' relevance among youth, the rise of short-form video content optimized for mobile devices, and the influence of social media algorithms that tailor content to user preferences, often reinforcing existing beliefs. Moreover, the proliferation of "news influencers" like Dylan Page has created a new ecosystem where entertainment and information intersect, blurring the lines between journalism and influencer culture. This phenomenon raises important questions about media literacy, the role of algorithms in shaping perceptions, and the future of credible journalism. As social media platforms evolve, they are increasingly becoming primary news sources for younger generations, prompting traditional outlets to adapt their strategies to remain relevant. The trend underscores the importance of media literacy education to help students critically evaluate information sources and navigate the digital news landscape responsibly. In addition to TikTok, platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts are also gaining traction among students, further diversifying how news is consumed. Experts warn that the reliance on social media for news could exacerbate polarization and misinformation if not managed carefully, emphasizing the need for improved fact-checking and digital literacy initiatives. As the media landscape continues to evolve in 2025, understanding these shifts is crucial for educators, journalists, and policymakers aiming to foster an informed and critically thinking generation.

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