There is a big change in the world of digital media. Today, every fourth person in India is Gen Z. This means – youth born between 1997 and 2012. Their way of watching news is completely different. Gen Z mostly watches news on social media.
A new report by Google and Kantar “Bridging the Gap: Reimagining News for Gen-Z” states that about 38 crore people of India use social media for news. These people read or watch news while scrolling on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube. This generation usually watches newspapers and TV channels less.
Recently, there was a disaster in Dharali of Uttarkashi. Its live video first came on social media. The same footage was later shown on their platforms by big news channels, portals and media houses. Now the direction and method of news has changed.
Gen Z, Who are they and what do they like?
Gen Z is around 26-27% of India’s total population. Out of around 38 crore Gen Z users, 91% people consider social media as the main source of news. These youth prefer to watch reels, memes, shorts and infographics.
Gen Z thinks that news should be quick, concise and attractive. They want to see and understand the news within 30 to 60 seconds.
Visuals and short videos are very important for them. If you are a journalist or news publisher, then it is important for you to understand this.
Tips for digital media publishers
Today’s newspaper owners and digital media publishers will have to change their angle. Make your news youth-centric. Presenting news short, interactive and with visuals is most beneficial.
- Make short videos, reels and shorts.
- Connect news with memes and current trends.
- Make the content fun with quizzes, stories and audience interaction.
- Try to bring users from social media to your portal or long videos.
Compared to millennials, Gen Z has a habit of forward thinking, fast pace, understanding of new trends and adopting technology.
Social media vs traditional media
It is easy to post news on social media, but only responsible journalists can have a perspective of truth checking, impact and follow-up. Therefore, along with giving news to Gen Z, authentic and professional journalism is also necessary.
Generation: At a glance
- Silent Generation: 1928-1945, time of discipline and difficulty.
- Baby Boomers: 1946-1964, economic boom and the world of TV.
- Generation X: 1965-1980, journey from analog to digital.
- Millennials (Gen Y): 1981-1996, era of internet and social media.
- Gen Z: 1997-2012, mobile first, short videos, trends and memes.
- Gen Alpha: After 2013, the new generation born into AI and VR.
