Teenagers and information: a profound transformation in uses and points of reference

A ground-breaking study of teenagers' relationship with information

For the 37th edition of Press and Media Week in Schools, organised by CLEMI on the theme of «Where is the news?, The e-Enfance / 3018 Association has published a ground-breaking study into young people's relationship with information.

Conducted among 1,049 teenagers aged 11 to 18, This survey highlights a major change in information practices, marked by a shift towards digital platforms and a weakening of traditional points of reference.

In an environment where the logic of virality, algorithmic recommendations and artificial intelligence tools are playing an increasingly important role, young people are developing new reflexes to inform themselves, but also new vulnerabilities.

Social networks, the first port of call for information

Today's young people get their information primarily via social networks, which are becoming their main channel of exposure to information. 70 % of young people say they turn to TikTok to search for information. Social networks are thus emerging as central spaces in the construction of our relationship with the news.

And yet.., 37 % believe it is important to be informed so as not to be manipulated, This reveals a gap between intention and practice.

Trust markers still in place

90 % of young people trust their parents and 82 % to their teachers, showing that traditional figures are still a structuring factor.

But these benchmarks now coexist with digital sources whose reliability is more variable.

AI, a rapidly expanding source of information

56 % of teenagers say they trust conversational AI, and 40 % do not question the information provided.

This poses a central challenge in terms of developing a critical approach to these new tools.

Worrying information fatigue

81 % of young people say they no longer know what to trust in the face of the proliferation of false information.

53 % say that it takes away their desire to be informed, a sign of growing disengagement from information.

A major democratic challenge

The study highlights a profound shift Teenagers are building their relationship with information in a fragile environment, marked by disinformation, viral content and the rise of artificial intelligence tools that are increasingly difficult to decipher. In this context, where traditional benchmarks of reliability are becoming blurred and mistrust can take hold, it is becoming essential to better understand their practices in order to adapt public policies and develop media and information literacy. With this in mind, the e-Enfance / 3018 Association is working on a long-term project, with the aim of tracking changes in young people's relationship with information, year after year.

Survey conducted by the Toluna Harris Interactive Institute from 22 to 27 January 2026 among 1,049 teenagers aged 11 to 18 (quota method).