As concerns about misinformation, political polarization and artificial intelligence continue reshaping the media landscape, a new study finds Americans increasingly believe skepticism and independent verification are essential traits for responsible news consumption.
The research, released Thursday by the Pew Research Center, asked Americans in their own words what it means to be a “good news consumer.” Researchers found the most common response centered on skepticism, critical thinking and questioning the information people encounter online and in traditional media.
About one in five Americans described a good news consumer as someone who is discerning or skeptical, according to the study. Respondents frequently referenced ideas such as “don’t believe everything you hear,” taking information “with a grain of salt,” and watching for propaganda or misleading information.
Another 12% said fact-checking and independently researching stories were key parts of consuming news responsibly. Pew noted that 82% of Americans say they at least sometimes do their own research to verify the accuracy of news coverage.
The study also found many Americans associate responsible news habits with simply staying informed. Seventeen percent of respondents said regularly following current events was an important part of being a good news consumer.
Others emphasized the importance of evaluating the quality of news sources and seeking information from multiple outlets or political perspectives.
According to the report, 13% of respondents specifically mentioned using reputable or trustworthy news organizations, while 10% said people should consume information from a variety of news sources. Another 7% said a good news consumer seeks out multiple viewpoints or “both sides” of an issue before forming conclusions.
Researchers said the findings reflect the growing responsibility individuals feel in navigating a fragmented information environment where trust in institutions and media organizations remains divided.
The report also highlighted concerns about sharing misinformation online. A smaller share of respondents said responsible news consumers should avoid reposting inaccurate information without verification.
Pew researchers conducted the study through surveys and focus groups as part of the Pew-Knight Initiative examining how Americans engage with modern media and information systems.
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