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In a study in Journalism and Media, Najm A. Kh. Alhatimi Aleessawi, Rahima Aissani, Jumana Mohammad Ali Moh’d Rsheidat and Mohammed Habes compare media consumption and communication preferences across generations. They found that Gen X favours news sites, Y social media and websites, while Gen Z prioritizes social media and multimedia.

Rapid shifts in information and communication technologies have significantly reshaped how people communicate and consume media, turning communication into a multi-directional, interactive process within digital environments. These changes have led to diverse media behaviours across age groups. However, existing research has mostly focused on single platforms or single age groups, often using quantitative approaches that measure usage rates rather than exploring motivations and interaction patterns. This leaves a gap in understanding how and why different generations engage with media in distinct ways.

Generational categories are used as a framework to interpret differences in values and behaviours shaped by shared social, economic, and technological experiences. Generations X, Y, and Z are distinguished by their varying relationships with technology, from gradual adaptation to digital tools in older cohorts to lifelong immersion in digital environments among younger groups. Generation X tends to combine traditional and digital media use, Millennials (Gen Y) grew up with early internet technologies and use a blend of digital communication in various aspects of life, while Gen Z is highly skilled in digital environments and relies heavily on social media. A younger age group is also emerging, but it is not included in this analysis.

The authors used a qualitative design to explore lived experiences through focus group discussions involving participants from the three generations. They analysed the data using thematic analysis, allowing patterns in communication preferences, media consumption, and interaction styles to be identified and compared across groups. Reliability was strengthened through independent coding, triangulation, member checking, and reflexive practices to minimise bias and enhance trustworthiness.

The findings show distinct generational patterns in media use, content preferences, and communication styles. Across all three generations, websites and social media are central sources of news and information, although their relative importance differs. Gen X relies most on online news sites, with social media and television also playing a role, reflecting a blend of traditional and digital habits. Gen Y places strong emphasis on social media alongside websites, valuing speed, accessibility, and reliability, while still engaging with television and other formats. Gen Z shows the strongest dependence on social media, using it as the primary gateway to news, followed by websites, with traditional media such as television and newspapers playing only a secondary role. This reflects a broader shift towards fast, mobile, and visually engaging platforms, while some trust in traditional media remains for credibility.

In terms of content, political issues are consistently important across all groups, but other interests vary. Gen X demonstrates a broad focus that includes social and cultural themes alongside politics, as well as occasional interest in science and technology. Gen Y combines political and social concerns with cultural and sports interests, often linking political topics to their broader social impact. Gen Z also prioritises politics and sports but shows stronger engagement with entertainment, culture, and technological developments, reflecting the influence of digital platforms and fast-paced media consumption habits.

Communication preferences also differ but they share some common ground. Text messaging is widely used across all generations, particularly among Gen X and Y, who also value face-to-face interaction. Gen Z shows greater diversity in preferred communication forms, with strong use of voice calls, text messaging, voice messages, and video calls, while face-to-face communication is less dominant.

Overall, these patterns highlight how differing technological environments and social experiences shape how each generation communicates and consumes media, reinforcing the idea that media preferences evolve alongside technological change and user needs.

Aleessawi, N. A. K. A., Aissani, R., Rsheidat, J. M. A. M., & Habes, M. (2026). Communication Preferences of Generations X, Y, and Z in Receiving Media Content. Journalism and Media, 7(2), 81. https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7020081