In Bangladesh, while many young people trust traditional media like print and TV for news, more and more are turning to social media, particularly Facebook, for the latest updates on current events.
A new survey by the Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center (BYLC) found that a large number of youths are relying on social media for news.
Among those surveyed, 74 percent of people interviewed in person and 84 percent of online respondents get their news from social media.
Although the survey showed that participants believe both social media and traditional media provide accurate information, their dependence on social media is growing.
In fact, 71 percent of those surveyed in person believe social media offers correct news, while 56.9 percent of online respondents agree.
On the other hand, 71.1 percent of in-person participants think print and electronic media provide accurate information, and 50.5 percent of online respondents share the same view.
When it comes to social media, Facebook is clearly the top choice.
More than 70 percent of young people in Bangladesh use Facebook, followed by YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
Abul Khayer Shajib presented the survey findings on Monday at the BYLC office.
The survey, conducted between October and November, included 3,238 young people from across the country.
Of these, 1,575 people took part in face-to-face interviews, and 1,663 participated online.
The survey`s age group spanned from 16 to 35 years, expanding beyond the usual government definition of youth, which typically covers 18 to 35-year-olds.
This was done to capture a more complete picture of the country`s younger population.
The study covered several key areas, such as education, healthcare, job opportunities, climate change, justice, governance, and youth aspirations for the future.
Most responses came from the Dhaka division, but participants from every region of Bangladesh contributed.
BYLC`s Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation Department carried out the survey, with Abul Khayer Shajib, Arafat Islam, Fazilatun Nesa, and Jessia Margaret Gomez leading the research team.
Every five years, BYLC conducts the Youth Matters Survey (YMS) to capture the views of young people on national issues, especially ahead of elections.
The survey aims to amplify the voices of youth and influence the country`s national policies.
The previous survey was held in December 2023.
After the political shift in the government on August 5, 2024, BYLC conducted this survey to understand the changing political views of young people in Bangladesh.