Young Futures

Gen Z & Misinformation: Why We Keep Falling for It (and How to Fight Back) The truth has never been more important—or harder to find. Misinformation isn’t new, but the way it spreads and the way we engage with it has changed dramatically in the age of social media.

Gen Z has the power to fight back.

With digital literacy, critical thinking, and better habits, we can help Gen Alpha become the most misinformation-savvy generation yet.

The truth matters. Let’s protect it.

Read the full piece: www.linkedin.com/pulse/gen-z-...

By: @brookemessaye.bsky.social

Parents and caregivers, you can help too! How you may ask?

🗣 Discuss viral fake news & fact-check together.

🔍 Teach healthy skepticism—not cynicism.

📱 Show the kids in your life how to verify info (reverse image search, etc.).

📊 Diversify their media diets (reliable news + independent voices).

How can we as Gen Z fight this misinformation?

✅ Pause before sharing—use Snopes/Google Fact Check.

✅ Follow multiple news sources (not just your fave creator).

✅ Talk to friends who share fake news with curiosity, not judgment.

✅ Ask: Is this verified? Emotional? From a trusted source?

So why does Gen Z fall for fake news?

1️⃣ Algorithmic bubbles – We get trapped in echo chambers that reinforce biases.

2️⃣ Emotional content – Outrage = engagement. Fear/anger makes us share before thinking.

3️⃣ Trust in influencers – Many prefer TikTokers over journalists, even if they’re unqualified.

Not all Gen Z is the same:

Older Gen Z (Zillennials): Grew up on Tumblr/Twitter and are typically skeptical of mainstream media but prone to conspiracy theories & deepfakes.

Younger Gen Z: Raised on TikTok. Trust influencers over news outlets, struggle to spot fake news from creators they follow.

Gen Z & Misinformation: Why We Keep Falling for It (and How to Fight Back) The truth has never been more important—or harder to find. Misinformation isn’t new, but the way it spreads and the way we engage with it has changed dramatically in the age of social media.

Despite being digital natives, Gen Z is seemingly more susceptible to fake news than older generations.

Why?

Algorithmic bubbles, emotional content, and trust in influencers over experts.

Check out @brookemessaye.bsky.social's article to learn more!

www.linkedin.com/pulse/gen-z-...

We're blown away by your #HereComesTheFun submissions! 🎮✨

From game-changing apps to digital experiences that redefine digital play, your creativity inspired us.

A huge thanks to everyone who applied and to our amazing partners at the @cooneycenter.bsky.social & @niantic-labs.bsky.social!

We are in the FINAL HOURS to apply for #HereComesTheFun! ⏰

We're funding nonprofits that:
🎮 Turn digital play into WELLBEING
💡 Co-build WITH teens
✨ Use games/apps to fight loneliness & stress
... and so much MORE!

DEADLINE ⏳ : TODAY (05/09) 5PM PT

Apply NOW: www.youngfutures.org/funding-chal...

⏰ TIME’S ALMOST UP! The #HereComesTheFun Challenge closes TOMORROW at 5 PM PT.

💰 $1M+ available for up to 10 grants for orgs using digital play (games, apps, VR) to boost teen wellbeing.

🔗 Apply NOW: www.youngfutures.org/funding-chal...

#HereComesTheFun #FundingOpportunity #DigitalPlay

Welcome! You are invited to join the Here Comes The Fun Applicant Info Session. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar. Join us to learn more about the Here Comes The Fun Challenge, including what we’re looking for, how to apply, and tips for a strong application.

TODAY’S THE DAY! Don’t miss our #HereComesTheFun Info Session!

⏰ Starts at 3PM ET

💬 Get insider tips, live Q&A, and everything you need to submit a standout application.

🔗 Join now: bit.ly/HCTFInfoSession

#FundingOpportunity #Grants #ApplyNow #Nonprofit #SocialImpact

Join our #HereComesTheFun Applicant Info Session! 🎮✨

📅 May 1 | ⏰ 3PM ET

Get application tips, live Q&A & all the deets to craft a great proposal!💡

🔗 Register at bit.ly/HCTFInfoSession to save your spot!

#GrantOpportunity #Funding #ApplyNow

Got a digital play solution that boosts teen wellbeing?

Apply by May 9: www.youngfutures.org/funding-chal...

#HereComesTheFun #GrantOpportunity

The right digital play = wellbeing boost. 💡

Research shows it enhances safety, autonomy, creativity, and emotional regulation. We need more intentional design to maximize benefits. #RITECFramework

For pre-teens and teens, games and virtual worlds offer exploration & expression. Minecraft, VR, and more let them shape their own experiences.

Teens are overwhelmed and often overscheduled. Digital play can provide balance: a space to unwind, create, and connect. Studies show gaming reduces stress & builds social skills. #HereComesTheFun

Play isn’t just for kids—teens need it too! Digital play helps them explore identity, build relationships, and navigate challenges. Games & creative apps offer freedom, agency, and belonging—key for wellbeing. #TeenWellbeing

Teens are online "almost constantly" (48% today vs. 24% a decade ago). But digital play isn’t just entertainment—it fosters creativity, independence, and resilience. When designed well, it can combat loneliness & stress. 🎮 #HereComesTheFun

$1M funding challenge alert! 🎮✨ We teamed up with @cooneycenter.bsky.social & @niantic-labs.bsky.social on the #HereComesTheFunChallenge to fund digital play innovations that help teens thrive. Think games, apps & experiences that boost wellbeing. Apps are open NOW - May 9.
🔗 bit.ly/HCTFChallenge

🚨 LAST CHANCE! 🚨

The #CallMeMaybeChallenge closes TODAY at 5PM PT. Grants up to $100K are available for solutions addressing phone use in schools. 💸

⏰ Don't miss out! Apply now: www.youngfutures.org/funding-chal...

The #CallMeMaybeChallenge is a response to these challenges—seeking innovative, student-led solutions that address phone use in schools.

Learn more and apply for up to $100K in funding www.youngfutures.org/funding-chal...!

70% of youth also agree that having more student involvement in creating phone policies would improve their effectiveness.

Student voices matter in this conversation.

#YouthVoice #StudentLeadership #EdTech

Schools are on a spectrum 🏫 :
🛑 Full phone bans
📴 Discouragement policies
📚 Full phone integration

Understanding these different approaches is key to finding the right solution. #EdPolicy #PhoneUseInSchools

70% of teens say that having access to phones at school makes them feel safer. 📱 BUT, they need a balance—access when needed, but without distractions.

#SchoolSafety #PhonesInSchools #TeenSafety

8 states have enacted statewide phone bans in schools, while 16 more states have introduced similar legislation. 🚫 But enforcement remains a challenge. #PhoneBans #EdPolicy

88% of students say their schools have phone policies—but these policies are only rated a 5.7/10 on effectiveness. 📉

It’s clear that current solutions aren't meeting the mark. #PhoneUseInSchools #EdPolicy

We all know that phones are a big topic in education, but what does the data say? Let's dive into the numbers behind phone policies and their impact on students. 👇 #EdTech #PhoneUseInSchools

TODAY’S THE DAY! 🚨

Got last-minute Qs about the #CallMeMaybeChallenge? Join our Applicant Info Session at 3:30 PM ET!

🔹 Step-by-step app guide
🔹 Pro tips for a standout proposal
🔹 Live Q&A

⏰ Apps close April 9—don’t miss out!

🔗 Register now: lnkd.in/g_erjHxV

Tag a friend who should apply! 👇

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Call Me Maybe Challenge: Applicant Info Session with Young Futures . After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar. Join us to learn how to apply, understand eligibility, and hear answers to common questions. We’ll also cover the Young Futures Academy and hold an open Q&A—submit your questions below.

Planning to apply for the #CallMeMaybeChallenge? Join us on Mar 31 at 3:30 PM EST for an Applicant Info Session and get all the info you need to apply! us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

Want to help shape the future of phone use in schools? Applications are open now. Learn More: www.youngfutures.org/funding-chal...

#CallMeMaybeChallenge

The Call Me Maybe Challenge will help support up to 10 grant recipients with a chance to join the Young Futures Academy, a 5-month program that will amplify their impact. 🌟 #TechForGood