Ireland’s News Engagement Shifts: A New Era of Information

As 2025 unfolds, a significant transformation in how the Irish public interacts with news is becoming evident. Recent findings from the Core Research REVIEW 25 indicate a shift in news consumption patterns, revealing that while fewer individuals are aware of current events, those who remain engaged perceive the stories they follow as more significant. This duality highlights a critical change in public information habits, suggesting a more selective approach to news rather than outright disengagement.

Over the past decade, Core Research has surveyed over 120,000 residents of Ireland, examining their interactions with news across various domains such as politics, sports, and culture. The data shows a recalibration in the public’s relationship with information. Many are opting out of certain narratives while investing greater meaning into the stories they choose to follow. According to the Reuters Institute Digital News Report, 41% of respondents now often or sometimes avoid news due to emotional impact or the overwhelming nature of specific topics like war and politics.

Contrary to this trend, the appetite for professional journalism remains. Approximately 20% of people in Ireland pay for online news, aligning with broader European trends. Trust in news sources has also increased, with 51% of individuals expressing confidence in the information they consume, a figure that stands high on the international scale.

Falling Awareness, Rising Importance

The Core Research REVIEW 25 reveals that awareness of news stories has declined compared to five years ago. Notably, fewer individuals are aware of current events than during the peak of the Covid pandemic or even in 2015. Despite this decrease, those who actively engage with the news report a heightened sense of importance regarding the stories they do encounter.

Statistically, only one in twenty stories reaches more than 90% awareness, often encompassing major national events such as the Russia invasion of Ukraine in 2022 or the reopening of retail stores post-lockdown. These pivotal moments capture the public’s attention, creating a unified national conversation.

The Cultural Index, a measure of awareness and perceived importance, illustrates this trend further. Although average story awareness has dropped from nearly 70% in 2015 to below 60% today, perceived importance has risen from approximately 65% to over 70%. This paradox reflects a growing belief that the news reaching audiences is more impactful, particularly in light of global uncertainties.

Changing Information Channels

As part of the Core REVIEW 25, participants were asked about their daily news sources. The results reveal a widening divide between two distinct information ecosystems: one reliant on traditional media, and the other driven by personalized, social, and algorithmic channels.

For older generations, traditional media remains a primary news source. Over 57% of individuals aged over 40 consume news via live television or documentaries daily, contrasted with 36% of younger adults. Radio and online news consumption follow a similar pattern, underscoring a preference for formats shaped by editorial oversight.

In contrast, younger adults engage with news through a more personalized lens. Nearly 48% of those under 40 stream online video for news daily, compared to 30% of older adults. Furthermore, 38% of younger individuals receive news from social influencers, while platforms like Reddit attract younger audiences at a rate of 26% compared to 15% among older generations. Daily exchanges of information via WhatsApp are also prevalent, with 65% of younger adults using the platform for news updates.

The divergence in these ecosystems suggests that as awareness of news declines, the significance of the information consumed is increasing. This evolving landscape may ultimately shape how different generations interpret Ireland’s challenges and its future.

Finian Murphy, a researcher and strategist focused on public sentiment and culture, emphasizes the importance of understanding these trends. The question now is not whether people are disengaging from news but whether they are consuming entirely different realities.

As these shifts in news engagement continue to unfold, they underscore the need for media organizations to adapt, ensuring that they connect with audiences in meaningful ways amidst the changing landscape of information consumption.