Political Cynicism in Streaming Among Millennials and Centennials in Spain and Mexico

What is it?

Political cynicism refers to a psychosocial feeling of distrust and dissatisfaction towards politics and institutions. In the digital age, this sentiment is influencing how younger generations engage with media, especially streaming platforms like Netflix, HBO, and Amazon Prime.

Why is it important?

According to research by Carlos Fernández-Rodríguez, Luis M. Romero-Rodríguez, and Jorge Alberto Hidalgo Toledo, millennials and centennials in Spain and Mexico show high levels of political cynicism. This affects their perception of the motives behind audiovisual content production, often viewing it as politically or economically self-serving.

How is it applied?

This study analyzed the opinions of 998 young adults through national surveys in Spain and Mexico. The findings indicate that viewers believe major production companies prioritize economic and political interests over social causes.

Key Findings

• Millennials, males, and right-wing voters express the highest levels of political cynicism.
• Viewers suspect companies like Netflix, Disney, and Universal of using series and films to push political agendas or maintain viewer ratings.
• Streaming preferences and motivations (e.g., entertainment, critique) correlate with levels of distrust.

Summary of Research Sections

Theoretical Framework

Political cynicism is framed as a consequence of the failure of representative democracies and media strategies that prioritize spectacle over substance.

Audiovisual Habits

Streaming offers ATAWAD consumption (Anytime, Anywhere, Any Device), encouraging binge-watching. This freedom fosters both critical engagement and passive viewing that reinforces cynical attitudes.

Survey Data

Surveys conducted in urban centers in Spain and Mexico confirm the prevalence of distrust, especially among Netflix and Filmin users. Respondents believe that content is shaped more by market interests than by a commitment to social representation.

Implications

The study highlights a generational shift in media skepticism, suggesting that younger audiences are not passive consumers but critical viewers who question narrative intentions.

FAQ

Do millennials trust streaming content? According to the research, many millennials in Spain and Mexico do not. They suspect content is manipulated for economic or political gain.

Are centennials less cynical than millennials? Yes. While still distrustful, centennials tend to be more undecided or neutral.

Which platforms generate the most skepticism? Netflix and Filmin were associated with higher political cynicism among users.

Does political ideology affect viewer perception? Right-wing viewers displayed greater levels of cynicism towards audiovisual content producers.

Is there a link between education and cynicism? Higher education levels correlated with increased distrust in media motives.

Conclusion

This article explains that political cynicism streaming millennials centennials is not just a trend but a reflection of broader societal distrust. The findings underscore the need for more transparent and socially responsible media production to rebuild trust with younger audiences.