How I Consume News as a Zillennial

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As someone who was born at the end of the Millennial generation right before the start of Generation Z, I consider myself to be a Zillennial. I love all things 1990s and early 2000s and have been heavily influenced by growing up in both decades. This influence has had an impact on what I find humorous, how I view the world, and possibly how I will parent my future children someday. One considerably important aspect that it influenced is how I consume news and stay up to date with what’s happening in the world.

I find myself consuming news through both traditional and modern mediums. I grew up watching my local news channel, reading my community’s newspaper, and listening to stories on the radio. While my passion for consuming news has not changed, the way I go about it has. I now follow my favorite news outlets on social media (particularly on Instagram) and catch up on world news highlights on my Amazon Echo Show device. I also become aware of news globally and locally through my friends on Facebook and those I follow on Instagram.

Now, why does this matter? Well, if you are familiar with mass communication theories and research then you may be aware of the two-step flow theory and diffusion theory. The two-step flow theory is the idea that mass media first reaches opinion leaders who then disperse the news to the individuals who may not frequent news sites or regularly consume mass media. On the other hand, diffusion theory is the idea that mass media is reaching the consumers directly with the latest technological advances and thus are no longer in need of opinion leaders. Within this theory, the media is seen as experts and trustworthy thought leaders.

From my experience as a Zillennial, these theories find credibility in my life and how I consume and trust mass media messages. I enjoy the mix of how I receive my news both directly from mass media and with the help of opinion leaders. While I have adapted to technological advances and receive my news directly from my local T.V. news channel and other important publications, I do so by following them on social media. Alongside these outlet’s posts to their feed and stories, I am also able to see messages from opinion leaders.

I think that having a well-rounded way of consuming media allows each of us to become knowledgeable about news and world events from various but reliable and trustworthy viewpoints.