Youth and social media: divergences and similarities in informational consumption in different autonomous communities of Spain

Abstract

Introduction: Social networks have become a key channel for young people to access information. Although this phenomenon has been researched, there is little information on how geographical location influences the information routines of young people in Spain. This study compares the information consumption of young people in Andalusia, Catalonia, Valencia, Madrid and the Basque Country, also analysing the most used networks, the frequency of access and the type of content of interest to them. Methodology: A quantitative methodology was used by means of an online questionnaire, applied to a sample of 1,445 young people. The questionnaire collected information on information routines and social networks used in different autonomous communities. Results: The results reveal that young people's information routines are similar in all regions. However, Madrid shows a greater interest in being informed, with a greater inclination towards political content, while Catalonia shows the least interest in this aspect. Discussion: Regional differences in interest in information and political content could be influenced by social and cultural factors specific to each community. Conclusions: Although information routines are similar, Madrid and Catalonia show significant variations in interest in certain topics, especially politics.