SOCIAL MEDIA NEWS USE AND ITS IMPACT ON BROADCAST NEWS CREDIBILITY AMONG GEN “Z”

Abstract

Generation Z depends on social media as the main news source, which alters their perception of and expectations of traditional broadcast media. This paper examines the impact of social media news on the credibility of broadcast news among the Gen Z. It pays attention to the importance of emotional engagement as a major process by which social media news influences the credibility of judgment, as well as the influence of Gen Z personality traits on this correlation. Based on the survey data obtained through the survey of Gen Z users that frequently view news content on websites like Instagram and Tik Tok, the research assesses news consumption trends, the emotional reactions to news content, and the perception of the credibility of broadcast news. Quantitative research design is used to examine the direct, mediating, and moderating relationship between the variables of study. This study will provide information to the understanding of how emotional and psychological variables affect the credibility of broadcast news in a digital media setting by focusing on the daily news experiences of the Gen Z. The results are likely to provide significant knowledge to researchers, media practitioners, and policymakers who want to improve the credibility of news and engagement of younger audiences.