Changing News Consumption Behaviour in the Era of Social Media

Abstract

The digital revolution in India has transformed how citizens consume news and information. With over 886 million internet users and 491 million social media users as of 2024, India has witnessed a paradigmatic shift from traditional media consumption to digital platforms. This study examines the changing news consumption patterns among Punjabi youth in the context of India's broader media transformation. The research reveals that while 71% of Indians now prefer online news sources, with 49% relying specifically on social media platforms like YouTube (54%), WhatsApp (48%) and Facebook (35%), there exists a concerning decline in traditional media consumption. Data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 indicates a double-digit percentage decline in newspaper reading, television viewing and radio listening between 2015-16 and 2019-21. In Punjab, where over 70% of the population use the internet through mobile phones, this transformation is particularly significant. Through a survey of 100 young respondents, this study found that despite heavy reliance on social media for news consumption, a significant portion of youth remain skeptical about the credibility of social media-based information. The findings highlight critical issues of media literacy and the need for enhanced digital awareness among young consumers.