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This report follows digitally savvy, clear-minded young people as they question the world in their own way.
At a time when global headlines are shaped by uncertainty, conflict, climate disruption, and political unrest, how are younger generations getting their news? And how do they make sense of the events shaking both their countries and the wider world? The voices of Generation Alpha and Gen Z—aged 11 to 16, living in Lebanon and abroad—offer a glimpse into how they see the world.
Social Media as a Leading Source of Information
Most of those interviewed say that scrolling through social media has become their main gateway to the news. It’s no surprise, then, that TikTok, Instagram, and WhatsApp top the list of platforms most used by this generation, who grew up connected.
“I stay updated on social media, especially TikTok and Instagram, and also through messages from my friends on WhatsApp,” say Camille and Nathalie, both 13.
Karl, 15, and Samer, 16, were interviewed outside the Lycée Franco-Libanais in Achrafieh.
“I get my news from social media. Otherwise, in Lebanon, with all the disasters happening, the news finds us. There’s no need to follow it actively,” Samer adds with a matter-of-fact tone.
The same goes for Kate, 16, a student at the International College (IC):
“Everyone my age, starting around 12, watches news videos on TikTok’s For You Page. My little brother does too. It’s fast and to the point.”
Other teens deepen their understanding by turning to mainstream media. That’s the case for Elsa, 15, who says she watches explainer videos on platforms like This is Beirut and also follows socially conscious influencers. “When something serious happens, I check the news on several online outlets at once. My parents talk to me about it too—we often discuss it at home,” she adds.
Radio and TV: Fading into the Background
The days of switching on the TV to watch a movie, a debate, or the evening news feel like a distant memory. For today’s younger generations, the small screen is almost a relic.
Nathalie, 13 and a student at Jamhour, stands out:
“I follow two main Lebanese TV channels for news.” Like many of her friends, she also supplements what she learns through WhatsApp Channels.
In France, Clarix, 15, mentions listening to the radio, but admits to having little interest in current events:
“I don’t pay much attention to what’s happening in France or around the world. I do know there are wars, but I don’t take sides.”
Lisa, 11, a French-Lebanese living in Qatar with her family, says:
“Sometimes I watch the evening news with my parents. I hear them comment on what’s going on.”
An Acute Sensitivity to Conflict
Although the sources of information differ, one theme runs through every account: the emotional weight of the news, especially when it concerns war.
Samer and Karl, both deeply affected by the 2020 Beirut port explosion, highlight the overwhelming amount of “bad news,” particularly in Lebanon. “We’re just moving from one crisis to another,” they say.
Elsa admits the news sometimes frightens her when she thinks about the future. “But it also motivates me to stay informed and not remain indifferent,” she adds.
Inès, 15, who lives in France, takes a more structured approach to staying informed. She listens to podcasts during her bus rides and makes a point of keeping up with the news every day. “What saddens me most is seeing so many civilians suffering around the world,” she says.
A Generation of Clear-Sighted Youth
Although the constant flow of information—on social media and beyond—doesn’t always bring clarity, especially amid widespread misinformation, most highly connected young people interviewed express a strong desire to understand, engage, and debate.
Their accounts reveal sharp critical thinking and a genuine awareness of key contemporary issues.
While they condemn the rise of violent and anxiety-inducing content, these teenagers show a deep interest in current events, often reflecting on war, its aftermath, and their own role in what lies ahead.
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