Challenges for journalism facing social networks, fake news and the distrust of Z Generation

Introduction: Social networks have become in the current crisis scenario not only the channel most consumed by young people, but also an uncontrolled flow of information that tends to polarize opinions, fuel controversies and sow distrust. The media -and with them journalists-must define new communicative models adapted to these virtual spaces where they can recover their legitimacy and counteract the problematic expansion of disinformation. This paper focuses on the study of trust, consumption and perception of young Spaniards towards the media and fake news, on the premise that knowledge of audiences will help professionals to recover the essence of journalism. Methodology: Based on a descriptive and exploratory quantitative methodology, a questionnaire was applied to a population of 465 young people between 18 and 24 years old. The analysis focuses on two study constructs: 1) use and consumption of media and social networks; and 2) reception, distinction and perception of fake news. Results: The results show an open distrust of Generation Z towards media, networks, politicians and journalists. The great paradox is that, admitting their distrust towards networks, young people declare their massive consumption. Discussion and conclusions: The adequacy between the information that is communicated and reality, as well as the connection with the expectations of those who receive it, stands as a substantial and unpostponable challenge for journalism in the challenge of legitimizing its discourse in social networks.