A recent study reveals that over half of US citizens now rely on social media for news, overtaking traditional TV and websites. The research highlights the growing influence of online personalities, while also raising concerns about misinformation and the impact on trust in journalism.
Social Media Surpasses Traditional News Outlets in the US
Social Media Surpasses Traditional News Outlets in the US
Research indicates that social media platforms have become the dominant source of news for Americans, reflecting a global trend towards personality-driven information consumption.
Social media and video platforms have officially outpaced traditional television and news websites as the primary sources of news in the United States, according to recent research by the Reuters Institute. This shift has seen a significant milestone, with 54% of Americans now retrieving their news from platforms such as Facebook, X, and YouTube, compared to 50% relying on TV and 48% on news sites and apps.
The changing landscape is not solely confined to the US but is noted to be accelerating here more rapidly than globally. The author of the report, Nic Newman, emphasized that the rise of social video and influential figures in news delivery poses considerable challenges for traditional media outlets.
Prominent podcaster Joe Rogan emerged as the most referenced figure, with 22% of participants noting exposure to his news and commentary within the past week. This highlights a pattern wherein some politicians are opting to engage with sympathetic online influencers rather than mainstream media outlets for interviews, which can further tilt the political discourse toward populism.
The report also pointed out that an alarming percentage (47%) of respondents worldwide identify influencers and personalities as significant sources of false or misleading information, aligning them with politicians in the public's perception. This trend underscores the dilemma of trust within an evolving media environment.
Furthermore, the report noted a rise in usage of X as a news source, particularly in the US market, and observed demographic shifts post-Elon Musk’s acquisition of the platform in 2022, encouraging a significant influx of right-leaning audiences, especially younger demographics.
Despite the proliferation of platforms like Threads, Bluesky, and Mastodon, they account for minimal impact in terms of news reach globally. In contrast, TikTok has gained traction as the fastest-growing news platform, with 17% of users utilizing it for news, reflecting a 4% increase from the previous year.
Moreover, the utilization of AI chatbots for news retrieval is gaining popularity, with a notable prevalence among individuals under the age of 25, though there are widespread concerns about the reduction of accuracy and trustworthiness in news delivered by AI. Overall, while many individuals still value trusted news brands for their credibility, there is less frequent engagement with these sources than in the past, indicating a shift in media consumption dynamics. The report spans 14 years and encompasses nearly 100,000 respondents across 48 countries.
