Trust or Illusion in YouTube News? Perspectives on Media Reliability Across Generations

Bibliographic Data

ID4388324
AuthorsYasemin Bilişli (0000-0001-9272-9568, Department of Office Services and Secretariat Social Sciences Vocational School Akdeniz University Antalya Türkiye, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume76
Issue259
Pages179-194
Publication date2025-07-03
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Social Science Journal (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0020-8701 • E-ISSN: 1468-2451
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/issj.12592
OpenAlexW4412009909
LanguageEN
References cited31

The rapid development of internet technologies has transformed society, facilitating access to information while amplifying challenges like the spread of misinformation. As one of the most widely used video-sharing platforms, YouTube has increasingly drawn scholarly attention for its potential role in the dissemination of misleading or manipulative content, including misinformation and disinformation, particularly in the absence of editorial oversight. Conducted in Türkiye, this study investigates how different generational cohorts (Generations X, Y and Z) perceive and consume YouTube news, focusing on media reliability, verification strategies and attitudes toward misinformation. The study involved 30 participants (10 from each generation), selected through purposive and snowball sampling, all of whom actively use YouTube as a news source. This study examines the interplay between generational differences and digital media habits to provide a nuanced understanding of the evolving dynamics of news consumption, thereby addressing a critical gap in the literature. This qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews, which were thematically analysed using MAXQDA Analytics Pro 2022 to explore generational distinctions in news trust, verification and misinformation attitudes. Although Generation X relies on traditional media and institutional credibility, Generation Y adopts a hybrid approach that blends digital and traditional tools for cross-referencing. In contrast, Generation Z prioritizes social media and peer networks, placing greater value on speed and interactivity over institutional authority. The findings suggest that media literacy programs should be tailored to generational needs, incorporating platform-specific guidance and verification skills to improve resilience against misinformation. By highlighting generational dynamics in YouTube news consumption, the study contributes valuable insights into designing strategies for fostering media literacy and promoting accurate information dissemination in the digital age

Advertising · Business · Cognitive psychology · Illusion · Internet privacy · Media studies · Media use · Multimedia · News media · Political science · Reliability (semiconductor) · Social media · Sociology · World Wide Web · Computer Science · Media Influence and Politics · Misinformation and Its Impacts · Psychology · Social Media and Politics · Social Psychology

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