The increased usage of smartphones has been the main driving force behind the rise in media usage among adolescents, which has affected traditional media consumption by increasing digital news access and decreasing print media consumption.
- The main driver of the increase in media usage by adolescents in the 21st century is c. smartphones.
- Smartphones have become ubiquitous among adults and adolescents alike, offering access to a multitude of digital sources.
- According to data from the Pew Research Center for People and the Press, there has been a significant shift from traditional media to digital platforms for news consumption.
- Between 2004 and 2012, the percentage of U.S. adults accessing news from digital sources rose from 24% to 39%.
- This trend is echoed among adolescents, who frequently use smartphones for social media, browsing the internet, and streaming services.
- The rise in smartphone usage has caused a decline in consumption of print news media and has impacted the way radio and television news are consumed, pushing these traditional media outlets to adapt and offer digital alternatives.