Young people in Quebec are increasingly turning to English-language content
Young people in Quebec are increasingly turning to English-language content
The media habits of young Quebecers continue to evolve, and one trend in particular is drawing attention: adults aged 18 to 34 primarily consume English-language content on digital platforms.
According to data published by the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF), approximately 65% of young Quebecers in this age group primarily watch audiovisual content in English on streaming platforms, while about 30% prefer French.
The OQLF study, conducted among more than 6,000 people aged 18 to 34 across Quebec, examines language use in cultural practices, consumption, and work.
Experts attribute this trend to the growing prominence of international platforms such as Netflix, YouTube, TikTok, and Spotify. Recommendation algorithms often favor English-language content, which benefits from global reach and massive production.
Young people are therefore exposed daily to English-language content, particularly in the areas of entertainment, music, and social media.
This reality is causing concern in Quebec’s cultural and linguistic circles. Many observers fear that Francophone content will become less visible to younger generations.
Media habits are changing rapidly. Young people now prefer short, personalized, on-demand content, often produced by international creators rather than traditional media outlets.
This transformation is breaking down cultural barriers and increasing the influence of English in Quebec’s digital landscape.
Despite this dominance of English, some experts believe that young people continue to demonstrate an attachment to Quebec culture, particularly on social media and within certain emerging cultural movements.
However, many specialists believe that it will be essential to make Francophone content more visible, modern, and tailored to young people’s digital habits in order to ensure Quebec’s cultural and linguistic vitality in the coming years.
