Student Union
- By Bruce Alpert
Facebook Full of Fake News, Say Young Users
Young Americans say they believe nearly half of the news shared on Facebook is false and President Donald Trump tweets too much.
They also want to help unite America but find public service unappealing.Those are among the findings from recent interviews with 2,600 young Americans -- age 18 - 29 -- by Harvard University’s Institute of Politics in Massachusetts.
The poll, released Tuesday, found 81 percent of young people questioned nationwide by Harvard use Facebook.
But most consider a lot of the news on Facebook to be “untrue.”
Earlier this month, Facebook said it is removing accounts of people who send out “fake news” stories.
Only 11 percent say his tweets are “appropriate.”
In the 2016 presidential election, only half of 18- to 29-year-olds voted, according to a report by the Brookings Institution.
But 74 percent of young people polled by Harvard say voting is one of the best ways to produce change.
Only 1-in-4 young Americans say that public service work is appealing. Public service typically means working for the federal government in a job or on a project.
Rhea Malik is a Harvard University senior who worked on the poll. She said it might be that fewer students find public service appealing because they don't trust America's elected officials.
Another finding by Harvard researchers is that nearly 60 percent of young Americans want to do what they can to help unite America and not further divide it.
On Monday, former President Barack Obama said because of social media, young people read and listen to only those who agree with them. That, he said, divides America and makes it more difficult for leaders to govern.
Other poll results showed a conflict in attitude about law and order.
Many young people have protested against the use of deadly force by police against African-Americans and other minorities.
But nearly half of young Americans said “empowering” law enforcement that ending the “anti-police atmosphere” will “make America better"
Nearly half of young people told Harvard that temporarily banning visas from Muslim-majority nations would make America worse.
That compares to 1-in-4 young people who say that such a policy would make America better.
President Trump has issued two orders temporarily banning travel from some Muslim majority nations. Both were blocked by federal judges.
On trade, three out of five young Americans say they agree with Trump’s plan to end unfair trade practices with other nations.
Ten percent of young people gave the new president an A, the top grade, for his job performance in his first 100 days in office.
Forty-one percent of young Americans gave the new president an F, a failing grade.
The poll found young voters who call themselves Republican have more close relationships with gun owners, police officers and military veterans than Democrats.
Young people who call themselves Democrats have more close relationships with people who are LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or questioning their sexuality) and with Muslims than Republicans.
John Della Volpe is polling director at Harvard’s Institute of Politics. He is happy that nearly 60 percent of young people told Harvard researchers that they want to help unite the country.
"While we spend a lot of time talking about what divides us, younger millennials are seeking leaders who will unite us," he said. That is “both good government and good politics.”
Please leave a comment here, and visit us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, thanks!
See all News Updates of the Day
Judge upholds racial considerations in US Naval Academy admissions
Although the U.S. Supreme Court last year decided that civilian colleges and universities could not consider race or ethnicity in admissions, a judge ruled that the U.S. Naval Academy had established a national security interest in a diverse officer corps.
That means the academy – and other military service academies – can continue to consider race. A similar policy at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point has also been challenged, but that case has not yet gone to trial, according to a report in Navy Times. (December 2024)
Harvard recommends gap year as a strategic move
While some students and parents see the gap year as a waste of time, others see the break in academic studies as valuable for developing maturity, earning money or focusing goals.
MSN.com explains some of the reasons why Harvard – and other prestigious schools in the United States – are recommending that students take a gap year. (December 2024)
Student dilemma: Financial aid applications can expose undocumented parents
Many students in the U.S. rely on financial aid to attend colleges and universities, but as Julia Barajas reports in LAist.com, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid could cause a dilemma for students with an undocumented parent.
If students fill out the application, they will share their parents’ financial information – and potentially raise questions about their immigration status -- with the federal government. If they don’t fill out the application, they won’t get federal financial aid. (December 2024)
FDA: College students using ‘honey packets’ to enhance sex put themselves at risk
With TikTok videos promoting “honey packets,” the supplements marketed as sexual enhancements have become popular on college campuses.
But as Charles Trepany reports in USA Today, the Food and Drug Administration has warned that ingredients in the supplements could be potentially dangerous. (November 2024)
Some universities encourage Chinese students to return before inauguration
Some colleges and universities are encouraging international students to return to the United States – or stay in the country over winter break – to make sure any White House travel restrictions don’t impede their return, the South China Morning Post reports.
Chinese students in the United States have expressed concerns about being allowed back in the country after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office on January 20. Trump has promised sweeping immigration reforms and mass deportations. (December 2024)
