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Why College Students Trust TikTok Over Traditional News

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

College students are increasingly turning to TikTok and Instagram for their news, despite widespread awareness of misinformation risks. Ankit Khanal, a sophomore at George Mason University, reports accessing news over 20 times daily through TikTok influencer Dylan Page, whose "News Daddy" content covers major stories with over 1.5 billion likes. While students recognize the platform's potential for misinformation, they value the immediacy, entertainment, and personalized delivery of news on social media. Recent studies reveal that 65% of college students prefer social media for news, citing convenience and engaging formats, even as fact-checking remains a challenge. Notably, TikTok's algorithm-driven content delivery influences perceptions and opinions, raising concerns about echo chambers and bias. The platform's rise is also driven by its ability to blend news with pop culture, making information more relatable. Experts warn that misinformation can spread rapidly, but students often rely on influencers they trust, blurring lines between entertainment and credible journalism. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated social media's role in news consumption, with 70% of students reporting they get news from TikTok during the pandemic. Universities are now exploring media literacy programs to help students discern credible sources amid this shift. As TikTok continues to dominate youth media habits, understanding its impact on information dissemination and critical thinking becomes crucial for educators, policymakers, and media organizations alike. The trend underscores a broader transformation in how younger generations access and trust news, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches to media literacy and fact-checking in the digital age.

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