Social media platforms like Facebook, X, and YouTube have eclipsed traditional television and news websites as the foremost source of news in the United States, according to new research by the Reuters Institute. The study reveals that 54% of Americans rely on these networks for their news, surpassing the 50% who turn to TV and the 48% who still consult news sites and apps.
The findings indicate that the trend towards social media and personality-driven news is not limited to the US but is progressing at a notably rapid pace here. Among popular figures, podcaster Joe Rogan emerged as the most recognized, with 22% of individuals reporting exposure to his news content in the preceding week.
Nic Newman, the report's author, emphasized that this shift toward social video and personality-based news creates substantial challenges for traditional news publishers. The study also points out a growing trend where politicians prefer to engage with online hosts who share their perspectives rather than mainstream interviewers, allowing them to avoid tough questions. This trend raises concerns about the dissemination of false narratives and the integrity of information.
The report further revealed that nearly 47% of respondents worldwide view online influencers and personalities as significant sources of misinformation, which aligns with sentiments about politicians. On social media, X has seen stable or increasing usage for news, especially in the US, following Elon Musk's acquisition of the platform in 2022. Since then, the proportion of self-identified right-leaning users on X has significantly increased, with young men showing a marked rise in engagement. Conversely, progressive audiences have reportedly diminished their presence on the platform.
Emerging networks such as Threads, Bluesky, and Mastodon are making little headway on a global scale, with news reach remaining below 2%. TikTok has climbed as the fastest-growing social platform for news, currently utilized by 17% of the global populace. The report also notes a rise in the use of AI chatbots for news gathering, particularly among younger people, although concerns regarding AI’s impact on news accuracy and transparency remain prevalent. Despite a decline in usage frequency, trust in established news brands continues to be valued across all demographics. The report, now in its 14th year, surveyed nearly 100,000 individuals across 48 countries, reflecting broad trends in news consumption.
The findings indicate that the trend towards social media and personality-driven news is not limited to the US but is progressing at a notably rapid pace here. Among popular figures, podcaster Joe Rogan emerged as the most recognized, with 22% of individuals reporting exposure to his news content in the preceding week.
Nic Newman, the report's author, emphasized that this shift toward social video and personality-based news creates substantial challenges for traditional news publishers. The study also points out a growing trend where politicians prefer to engage with online hosts who share their perspectives rather than mainstream interviewers, allowing them to avoid tough questions. This trend raises concerns about the dissemination of false narratives and the integrity of information.
The report further revealed that nearly 47% of respondents worldwide view online influencers and personalities as significant sources of misinformation, which aligns with sentiments about politicians. On social media, X has seen stable or increasing usage for news, especially in the US, following Elon Musk's acquisition of the platform in 2022. Since then, the proportion of self-identified right-leaning users on X has significantly increased, with young men showing a marked rise in engagement. Conversely, progressive audiences have reportedly diminished their presence on the platform.
Emerging networks such as Threads, Bluesky, and Mastodon are making little headway on a global scale, with news reach remaining below 2%. TikTok has climbed as the fastest-growing social platform for news, currently utilized by 17% of the global populace. The report also notes a rise in the use of AI chatbots for news gathering, particularly among younger people, although concerns regarding AI’s impact on news accuracy and transparency remain prevalent. Despite a decline in usage frequency, trust in established news brands continues to be valued across all demographics. The report, now in its 14th year, surveyed nearly 100,000 individuals across 48 countries, reflecting broad trends in news consumption.
