Mobile News Consumption and Engagement: A Multi-Group Analysis Between Digital Natives and Digital Immigrants

This study compares news consumption and engagement patterns related to public affairs news between mobile news consumers—digital natives and digital immigrants. Using data from a purposive web survey of mobile news consumers ( n = 520) analyzed using partial least squares multi-group analysis, the study found no significant generational differences across most factors, except that news credibility significantly influenced mobile news consumption, with a stronger effect observed among digital immigrants. This implies that older individuals consume more public affairs news when they perceive it as credible. The findings of this study suggest that the generational gap in mobile news use is narrowing in Asia, including Malaysia. The study highlights the importance of credibility cues for digital immigrants and emphasizes the need to further strengthen the practice of news literacy. Our findings have important theoretical and managerial implications for addressing generational gaps in mobile news consumption.