When you’re scrolling through TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube, news seems to be absolutely everywhere. But here’s the thing: loads of it simply isn’t true. Whether it’s wild conspiracy theories or made-up celebrity drama, false information spreads like wildfire — and we’re stuck right in the thick of it.
Why fake news affects us the most
We’re the first generation to grow up completely online. Social media isn’t just where we hang out—for loads of us, it’s where we get our news. It’s quick, visual, and fits perfectly with how our brains work. But that also makes it a hotbed for dodgy information. The algorithms couldn’t care less about what’s actually true — they just want clicks, shares, and people glued to their screens. The more mental a story sounds, the more likely it is to blow up.
What happens? Our feeds get absolutely flooded with half-truths and completely fake headlines. And because they’re dressed up as memes, pretty graphics, or posts from influencers we trust, they seem legit.
The consequences are serious
Fake news isn’t just some harmless internet joke. It can mess with elections, stir up hatred, and genuinely put people in danger. When COVID hit, dodgy health advice was everywhere online, and some people really suffered because of it. On a more personal level, misinformation tears apart friendships, families, and whole communities. As Gen Z, we’re already juggling stress, worrying about climate change, and feeling uncertain about what’s coming next—the last thing we need is trying to work out what’s true and what’s complete rubbish.
Building up our digital smarts
What’s the solution? It’s not about switching off — our online world isn’t going anywhere. What we need is proper digital know-how: being able to question things, double-check facts, and really think about what we’re seeing online.
That means asking ourselves: who’s posted this? Where did they get it from? Is there any actual proof? It means taking a moment before we hit share. And it means caring more about getting things right than being first.
Schools and unis are slowly starting to teach this stuff, but Gen Z isn’t hanging about waiting. Online groups, youth organisations, and even TikTok creators are already showing their mates how to fact-check and spot fake news.
Young people making a difference
Our strength is in speaking up. We don’t just consume content — we create it too. When we call out fake news, share trustworthy sources, and refuse to engage with clickbait nonsense, we’re setting the standard for what shows up in our feeds. When we choose honesty, it rubs off on our friends, followers, and communities.
And it’s actually working. Research shows that young people are more suspicious of online content than older generations. We’ve grown up surrounded by fake news, and instead of just accepting it, loads of us are fighting back.
Looking at the bigger picture
Misinformation isn’t disappearing anytime soon — it’ll keep changing as quickly as technology does. But Gen Z has got the skills, creativity, and guts to take it on. It’s about creating a culture where truth actually matters, where sharing responsibly is just normal, and where we make platforms answer for what they’re pushing.
Taking on misinformation isn’t just about dodging lies. It’s about protecting democracy, building trust, and creating a better future. And that future is up to us.