Social Media Now Dominant News Source in US, Study Finds
Research by the Reuters Institute shows that, in a significant turn, social media and video platforms have replaced conventional media to become the main News Source in US. For news, over half of Americans (54%), now consult sites including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and TikHub. This outpaces official news websites or apps (48%) and TV (50%).
Influencers and Personalities Redefining News
The emergence of personality-driven material is changing how one consumes news. Many social media sites highlight podcasters, independent commentators, and influencers unlike conventional news sources that adhere to rigorous editorial guidelines. Huge crowds are drawn to these voices.
For instance, Joe Rogan is one. With 22% of the US population viewing his material within a week, the well-known podcaster was the most followed person.
Leading author of the report Nic Newman said, “The surge in social video and influencer-driven news marks a major challenge for established news outlets.” Although this trend is worldwide, it seems to be picking speed in the US above that of other nations.
The study also reveals a developing trend among politicians. Many choose interviews with friendly online personalities instead of conventional reporters these days. Many times avoiding difficult questions, these influencers may present biassed or false narratives.
The report warns that this lets populist leaders evade conventional media criticism. Their direct access to sizable, devoted online following lessens responsibility.
Not only are internet personalities and influencers trendy, but they also are considered as main sources of false information. Of the worldwide respondents, almost 47% said politicians and influencers were main sources of false or misleading information. This levels them with conventional sources of false information.
Social Media Platforms Shift Politically
The study observes significant changes on platform X since Elon Musk’s takeover in 2022. Right-leaning users, especially young men in the US, have increased. The proportion of right-wing users tripled. A similar shift occurred in the UK, where right-wing audiences nearly doubled.
In contrast, newer alternatives like Threads, Bluesky, and Mastodon remain minor players, reaching less than 2% of the global news audience.
AI chatbots are emerging as a new source of news, especially among users under 25. However, trust in AI-generated news remains low. Many fear it may reduce transparency, accuracy, and overall trust in journalism.
Despite these shifts, trust in established, credible news brands remains strong across age groups.
The Reuters Institute’s 14th annual report surveyed nearly 100,000 people across 48 countries. It offers one of the most comprehensive insights into global media consumption trends today.
