More Americans show low interest in news, low trust in sources: Study

About 5 in 10 or 49 per cent of adults in the US are "relatively disengaged" and "not very enthusiastic" towards information and gaining more training.

In a bid to look into people's engagement with facts, a new research has found out interesting details pertaining to the enthusiasm of today's people towards news and information. One particular finding that stood out shows more people have a low level of interest in learning and trust in sources, specifically about digital skills.

In a new survey by Washington DC-based Pew Research Center, about 5 in 10 or 49 per cent of adults in the US are "relatively disengaged" and "not very enthusiastic" towards information and gaining more training. The study especially highlights digital information at the core of this particular chunk's low interest.

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In contrast, roughly 4 in 10 or 38 per cent of adults show "relatively strong interest and trust in information sources and learning". About 1 in 10 or around 13 per cent is in the middle space, "not particularly trusting information sources, but show higher interest in learning".

Out of these figures, the organisation sifted through them and came up with five groups according to levels of interest. About 25 per cent of adults, mostly composed of males age 65 and above, are the "least disengaged with information".

"They have very low interest in news and information, low trust in sources of news and information and little interest in acquiring information skills or literacies."

On the other hand, only 13 per cent of adults are keen in news and information, despite them doubtful of the sources. The study has noted that members of this chunk "have somewhat lower levels of educational attainment".

"They are interested in growth, with a great deal of interest in improving digital skills and literacy."

Despite that, implications of the study have pointed that different factors play out when it comes to shaping people's engagement with information.

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