The Rasmussen College study shows how college students within the United States stay informed with the latest news. Traditional newspapers are almost obsolete, thanks to smartphone apps and news sites.
According to this chart, 54 percent of students own a smartphone and 40 percent of them prefer to access news apps over directly visiting a company's site. When it comes to viewing information on one's cell phone, 58 percent of students prefer standard text over photos, videos and audio.
The weather seems to be the most sought-after news that is checked, followed by breaking news, and national news. College students are less likely to use their smartphones to look up personalized news, specific columnists and investigative reports.
Due to the nature of smartphones and its viewing capabilities, people seek clean and simple layouts that are easy to load and read. As society becomes more and more digitally connected, it is important for companies to have a mobile app, or a cell phone friendly version of its site for users to access.
Mobile News Consumption Graphics
The Rasmussen College Study Shows How Students Stay Informed
Trend Themes
1. Mobile News Consumption - The growing preference for smartphone apps and news sites for staying informed creates opportunities for companies to develop mobile-friendly versions of their sites and apps that have clean and simple layouts
2. Text-based News - As college students prefer standard text over photos, videos and audio, there are opportunities for companies to focus on delivering news in a text-based format
3. Weather News - As weather news is the most sought-after news among college students, there are opportunities for companies to develop innovative weather news apps that deliver accurate and timely information
Industry Implications
1. News and Media - The news and media industry can benefit from the growing trend of mobile news consumption by developing mobile-friendly versions of their sites and apps with clean and simple layouts
2. App Development - The growing preference for smartphone apps for news consumption creates opportunities for companies specializing in app development to develop innovative news apps with user-friendly features
3. Weather Industry - As weather news is the most sought-after news among college students, there are opportunities for the weather industry to develop innovative weather news apps that deliver accurate and timely information