60% of Young Australians Shun Newspapers for Social Media News, Study Finds

A significant majority of young Australians are turning away from traditional news sources, with 60% of those aged 18 to 24 never having consulted newspapers for information, according to a new study. The report, "Digital News 2026," highlights social media's consolidation as the principal news provider for this demographic.

The study, published by the University of Canberra, indicates a long-term trend of disengagement from legacy media. Over half (53%) of individuals under 25 have never used radio for news, and 25% do not rely on television. Instead, social media platforms are dominant, with 71% of this age group accessing news through them. TikTok leads as a news source for 48% of those under 25, followed by Facebook (39%) and YouTube (24%).

Video content is particularly popular, with an overwhelming 89% of young people watching news videos on online platforms and social networks. Content creators are increasingly influential in this space. This shift is not exclusive to the youth; two in five Australians (40%) who previously read newspapers regularly have stopped doing so, a higher proportion than those who have stopped watching television (26%) or visiting news websites (15%).

Despite the rise of digital channels, traditional media like television remain significant, serving as the main news source for 57% of the general population, closely followed by social media (56%) and news portals (52%). Interestingly, the study also points to a growing willingness among young adults (18-24) to pay for news. This year, 47% expressed interest in paying, a notable increase from 35% in 2025.

The research, part of a global survey by the Reuters Institute, surveyed 2,025 individuals in Australia. These findings coincide with Australia's implementation of a ban on social media access for those under 16 since December 2025, which includes penalties for platforms that fail to comply. This pioneering measure has been mirrored by countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, with the UK government also seeking parliamentary support to tighten restrictions for under-16s.

“

While traditional sources like television remain important, digital channels are gaining increasing relevance.