Pew Research: The Good ‘News Consumer’ and Information Discernment

One-in-five Americans now believe that the most essential trait of a "good news consumer" is a healthy sense of skepticism and the ability to spot propaganda. In an environment cluttered with AI-generated falsehoods and deliberate disinformation from those in power, people are increasingly viewing their own discernment as a primary defense. This is the reality of modern civic life: the burden of truth has shifted from the broadcaster to the individual.

An 82% supermajority of Americans report that they now take it upon themselves to conduct their own research to check the accuracy of the news. This shift toward self-led fact-checking shows that the public is no longer willing to take official statements at face value. Whether it is searching the internet for secondary sources or questioning the motives of a particular news organization, Americans are working harder than ever to separate fact from fiction.

While nearly half of U.S. adults believe it is a necessity to get news regularly, the way they encounter information is changing. Many, especially younger adults, report that they no longer seek out the news but simply "happen to come across it" in their digital lives. This makes the ability to filter through the noise even more vital for a functioning democracy. Without clear, verified information, the path to political representation and social justice becomes blocked by confusion.

Leading Ladies Vote is committed to truth-telling and empowering every voter with the facts they need to lead. We believe that an informed public is the greatest threat to a corrupt administration. By practicing discernment and demanding transparency, we protect the integrity of our vote and the future of our planet.

🔗 Read the full Pew Research report here.