Trustworthy journalism is strained by political attacks, corporate consolidation, and attention-driven social platforms. Young adults increasingly encounter news incidentally and often rely on influencers, which can amplify unverified claims and real-world harm. Recent Minnesota fraud convictions and viral allegations against Somali-run daycares show how slow, careful reporting differs from influencer-driven accusation. In the age of A.I. deepfakes, readers should support reliable outlets, diversify sources, and check facts before sharing.
One Simple New Year’s Resolution for 2026: Become a Better Consumer of News
In 2026, one achievable and essential New Year’s resolution is to become a more discerning consumer of news and media. The health of democratic debate and our personal ability to understand the world depend on it.
Why This Matters
Legacy journalism is under strain from political attacks, corporate takeovers, and rapid technological change. Social platforms and attention-driven algorithms reward short, emotional content—provocative tweets and viral clips—often prioritizing engagement over accuracy. That environment encourages quick judgments rather than careful reporting.
Young people raised on smartphones are especially affected. According to Pew Research, only 15% of adults under 30 follow the news most or all of the time, a share that has declined since 2016. Seventy percent of young adults encounter political news incidentally, and nearly 40% say they get news from influencers. As one 21-year-old told Pew, 'If I agree with that person already, if I already have background with that person, then I’ll probably trust him more than some news site.'
Case Study: Minnesota Fraud, Viral Allegations, and Real-World Harm
Recent criminal convictions in Minnesota involving the nonprofit Feeding Our Future show how complex fraud investigations unfold slowly and require careful reporting. Federal authorities charged and convicted dozens of people in an elaborate scheme tied to autism-care funding. The alleged mastermind of that fraud has been identified as the head of the nonprofit, and the case has produced convictions and indictments over many months.
At the same time, separate viral allegations targeting Somali-run daycare centers illustrate how influencer-driven claims can inflict real damage. A viral video by an influencer who demanded entry to daycare facilities—producing no substantive evidence—was shared widely, including by prominent public figures. The fallout included harassment of Somali community members, vandalism at daycare sites, and decisions by officials to suspend federal childcare funds to Minnesota families who rely on them.
Some conservative voices accused mainstream outlets of ignoring the story, but national and local news organizations had covered aspects of the Minnesota investigations months earlier. The New York Times, the Associated Press, Sahan Journal (which serves the Somali community), CBS News and multiple local outlets reported on the fraud and subsequent prosecutions well before the influencer-driven wave of viral clips.
The Threats Are Growing—And A.I. Raises the Stakes
The incoming era of sophisticated A.I. tools that produce realistic audio, photos, and video can make false claims look and sound authentic. That accelerates misinformation and corrodes a shared sense of reality. When political actors, media owners, and algorithmic platforms all contribute to fragmentation, it becomes increasingly difficult for the public to sort truth from falsehood.
What Responsible Journalism Does—and What You Can Do
Real investigative journalism verifies facts, consults subject-matter experts, corrects mistakes publicly, and seeks to explain why events matter. It is not the same as posting an unverified clip for clicks or ideological applause. When outlets get something wrong, reputable ones publish corrections; influencers often do not.
As news consumers you can help sustain trustworthy journalism. Practical steps include:
Subscribe or donate to reputable local and national outlets; their revenue funds reporting.
Diversify sources — read beyond feeds that only confirm your views.
Slow down before sharing: check original reporting, look for named sources and public records, and watch for clear corrections if a story changes.
Evaluate editorial standards: Do outlets correct errors? Do they disclose conflicts? Do they hold power to account?
Being a better news consumer is both a civic act and a personal habit that protects your understanding and your sanity. Social media, A.I., corporate consolidation, and partisan attacks do not make reliable journalism inevitable—but your attention and dollars can help keep it alive.
Takeaway: In 2026, resolve to read more critically, support accountable outlets, and demand reporting that verifies facts and explains why they matter.
Help us improve.
