Social networks, darlings of young people
70% of 18-34 year olds consult Facebook and Instagram every day to follow online news, compared to 63% of 35-54 year olds and 47% of those aged 55 and over. Conversely, it is those aged 55 and over who get the most information from Canadian media sites or applications (39%). Only 16% of 18-34 year olds consult the news directly on news sites or on their applications, and 33% of 35-54 year olds. Google is also at the top of the most visited sites for keeping up to date with online news, among all age groups.
Habits turned upside down
As 18-34 year olds consult social networks more for information, their habits are also more disrupted by the blocking of news on Facebook and Instagram. In fact, 45% of 18-34 year olds say that their news consumption habits are “a lot” or “fairly” disrupted by the blocking, compared to 21% of those aged 55 and over. Since 1er August, Meta blocks news on Facebook and Instagram in response to the Online News Act which will come into force in December. This will force web giants to pay a royalty to Canadian media when they share their content.
Upset, but…
Strangely, if 18-34 year olds say that their habits are “disturbed” by the blocking of news, they have not all changed the way they consult the news: 30% of them say they continue to get information on Facebook and Instagram despite the blocking; 21% say they have not changed their habits, but could do so if the situation persists; 31% say they have changed their habits. Furthermore, 66% of the 1,000 people surveyed last week said they had noticed the blockage, compared to 34% who noticed no change since 1er august.
A less informed population?
According to Colette Brin, director of the Center for Media Studies, becoming more informed on social networks makes you more vulnerable to misinformation. “Less informed people have always existed. But right now it’s because of a technological environment and the power of a group [Meta] who can decide to restrict the place of information on its platforms. It’s very worrying,” underlines the woman who is also a professor in the information and communication department at Laval University.
For or against a fee?
Regarding the Online News Act (“Bill C-18”), 48% of respondents believe that Facebook and Instagram should pay a royalty to the media when they relay their content, while 24% are more of the opinion that the two social networks should pay nothing to the media. media. Among those surveyed, 28% said they had no opinion on the subject. Furthermore, 50% of respondents believe that Meta should reach an agreement with the media regarding the payment of royalties, and 34% believe that the federal government should decide on the terms of compensation.