The 'Digital News 2026' report by Reuters Institute and Oxford University shows that social media and video platforms have surpassed websites and media applications as the main route for people to access news. At the same time, public trust in news is at its lowest recorded level since 2015; a situation that has challenged the authority of media and the credibility of news sources more than ever.
ISNA is a semi-official Iranian news agency (Iranian Students News Agency). This is a translation of that outlet's own report; it is the outlet's account, not Artesh's finding.
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Youth's Shift to Social Media Amid Ongoing Distrust
Sep 21, 2026
September 21, 2026
1 min read
📰 ISNA
📋 Key Takeaway
A report indicates that social media has become the primary source of news for the youth, while public trust in news has plummeted to its lowest since 2015. This shift raises concerns about media authority and the reliability of news sources.
🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line:
The rise of social media as a news source amid declining trust poses challenges for media authority and credibility.
👥 Key Players
Reuters Institute
MENTIONED
Research organization
"They provide data and insights on media trends, influencing public discourse and policy."
Oxford University
MENTIONED
Academic institution
"Their research contributes to understanding media consumption patterns and trust in journalism."
📰 What Happened
A report by Reuters Institute and Oxford University reveals that social media has overtaken traditional media as the primary news source for youth, coinciding with a significant decline in public trust in news. This trend raises concerns about the credibility of news sources.
- Social media and video platforms are now the main news sources for young people.
- Public trust in news has reached its lowest level since 2015.
💡 Why It Matters
🇮🇷 For Iran: In Iran, this shift could undermine state-controlled media narratives and empower alternative voices on social media.
🌍 Regional: This trend may influence political discourse and activism in the region, where media freedom is often restricted.
🌐 International: Globally, declining trust in media could affect international relations and the dissemination of information.
📚 Background
The decline in trust in traditional media is a global phenomenon, often linked to misinformation and perceived biases. In Iran, state media faces skepticism due to government control.
Media freedom in Iran
Impact of social media on political movements
📡 Source:
NEUTRAL
📊 Confidence:
70%
The report is based on research and data analysis, making it a credible source for understanding media trends.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
🌐
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%
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