How informed are you?
Americans consider themselves more informed compared to 10 years ago. According to a recent Rasmussen Poll, that’s how 67% of respondents feel. Although, as might be expected, the source for news and information varies greatly by age as well as other demographics. What does this mean now and in the future?
- Image by David Masters via Flickr
The majority of younger people, those under 50, look to the Internet as the best way to get news and information. The majority of those in the 50-64 age group get their news from broadcast outlets while nearly two-thirds of the 65+ segment turn to television and radio as their first choice. The latter group was the only one to place newspapers ahead of the Internet
When asked which is the most reliable source for credible news and information 40% of the total sample said it was broadcast news followed by the Internet with 29% and newspapers with 21%. Interestingly, a plurality of all those above 50 years of age (44%) identified broadcast news as the best source. However only 19% of those 50-54 polled pointed to newspapers compared to 32% of those 65+. By the same token, 25% of the younger of these two demographic chose the Internet versus 12% of the 65+ respondents.
There’s little doubt when one examines the research findings that America, and the world, is headed toward a paperless society. This will not occur over night, but it is happening. Look at how Internet usage has exploded in the last decade. And upcoming generations can be expected to utilize and depend on the Internet even more than younger adults do today.
Many in the media, as well as the general population, question the reliable/credible aspect of some Internet news and information versus what is reported through traditional media. As online media continues to grow in importance, necessary improvements regarding honesty and accuracy must be considered. Otherwise, the reputation and seriousness of Internet reporting will be questionable.
At NewSeniors.com, we write or accept original content for the Journal (Home Page). All the articles are written by those who are 65+. The Neighborhood section accepts material that has appeared elsewhere but is deemed interesting, important and appropriate to all New Seniors. And, we check our facts. Our goal is to provide content that will spark thinking, stimulate discussion and, in some stances, just be nostalgic. While we do embrace traditional values, NewSeniors.com endeavors to present our point-of-view in a civil and respectful manner.
NewSeniors.com will continue to serve the 30 million pre-boomers as we welcome the 76 million baby boomers who start turning 65 in 2011. In the next five years, our ranks will swell to nearly 50 million and continue to grow for years to come. So, log on; there’s something new everyday. Tell your friends. Send us news and information you’d like to share, because if you’re 65+, you’re already part of the New Seniors movement.
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