Social media and journalism are more intertwined than ever. As news outlets race to fit complex stories into Instagram Reels, TikToks, and YouTube Shorts, a new question arises—are we sacrificing explanation for convenience? Can a 30-second clip truly capture the intricacies of global events, or are we trading critical analysis for bite-sized entertainment? At the same time, is there a certain relief in consuming news in such a fast, digestible way? 

I personally know many people affected by short-form content. It is addicting, and one can spend hours on these apps mindlessly scrolling with no end in sight. Short-form videos have definitely made attention spans shorter. People naturally like quick rewards, and with so much accessible content available, it’s easier than ever to keep scrolling for instant entertainment. 

When news content comes on while scrolling—are we even absorbing it? Considering the importance and gravity of what is being stated? Or simply watching to watch, then scrolling? 

The Washington Post effectively leverages Instagram Reels to distill major news stories into concise, engaging videos that inform audiences. Brut, a French media company, has captured a massive digital video audience in India by creating engaging short-form content optimized for different platforms. The Las Vegas Review-Journal delivers news through its “7@7” format, offering seven-minute updates that quickly and efficiently cover key stories. 

The common factor? Big news outlets are producing shorter and shorter content to grab audiences and keep them engaged. However, compressing news stories into bite-size content creates a breeding ground for misinformation, as serious topics lack the nuance required for true understanding in a 30-second clip. 

In addition, short-form news often relies on readily available sources, typically from elites in the political and economic spheres. This dependency can introduce bias, as these sources may shape news content to serve specific agendas, limiting diverse perspectives. 

European vs. American Approaches to Short-Form Journalism 

Unlike the U.S., where digital-first outlets like NowThis and The Washington Post have fully embraced social-first strategies, many European outlets still prioritize long-form investigative journalism. Publications like The Guardian and Le Monde Diplomatique continue to emphasize in-depth reporting, even as they adapt to digital trends. 

But how do European audiences engage with short-form news compared to their American counterparts? 

Media consumption habits 

In the U.S., over 50% of adults get news from social media and 71% of Europeans prefer TV as their most used platform to access news. 

 With social media sharing the podium with radio at 37%. This indicates that while short-form content is growing, long-form articles, print media, and public broadcasting maintain a strong presence in Europe. 

Media trust: A transatlantic divide 

Trust in media varies significantly between the U.S. and Europe. In the U.S., only about 26% of Americans trust most news sources. In contrast, European countries like Finland, Denmark, and the Netherlands report trust levels above 50% for major news organizations. This trust gap makes European audiences slightly more resistant to misinformation from short-form content. 

Government regulation 

There are also important differences in how the U.S. and the EU regulate tech companies. In the U.S., tech companies can set their own rules, which allows for quick innovation but also makes it easier for false information to spread. In contrast, the EU has stricter rules, like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Digital Services Act (DSA), which require platforms to protect user privacy and fight false information. 

Both regions are moving toward digital news, but Europe seems to be doing a better job of striking a balance between innovation and journalistic integrity. Bite-sized journalism’s detrimental consequences are mitigated by stronger public broadcasters, more media trust, and more stringent controls. 

One last byte? 

As the news content gets shorter, and our attention spans decrease, it is important to acknowledge the harm of short-form news content. While these videos provide quick access to updates, the depth of analysis is often limited compared to traditional journalism. To counteract this, media consumers should actively engage in practices that strengthen their focus, such as mindful reading, critical thinking exercises, and dedicating time to in-depth reporting. Promoting media sources to strike a balance between substance and simplicity can also help guarantee that comprehension is not sacrificed for speed.   

Text : Natalie Alexis Hentrich Oliver

Feature Image: Created via ChatGPT