Social media and video platforms have now become the dominant source of news for many in the United States, surpassing traditional avenues like television and news websites, according to a recent study by the Reuters Institute. The report shows that 54% of Americans get their news from social networks such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, compared to 50% from television and 48% from news websites and apps.
The rise of personality-driven news is particularly pronounced in the U.S., with podcaster Joe Rogan emerging as a leading figure. Nearly 22% of respondents reported encountering news or commentary from him within the past week. Nic Newman, the author of the report, noted that this trend represents a formidable challenge to established media companies.
The study pointed out the growing tendency for politicians, particularly those with populist views, to engage with sympathetic online hosts instead of mainstream journalists. This trend allows politicians to sidestep traditional media channels in favor of personalities and influencers who may not pose challenging questions. Alarmingly, nearly half of global respondents (47%) acknowledge that online influencers are a significant source of misinformation, ranking alongside politicians in this regard.
The report also noted an increase in the use of X for news, particularly post-Elon Musk's acquisition in 2022, which has attracted a larger audience of right-leaning individuals, especially young men. Conversely, some progressive users have either reduced their activity or left the platform altogether. In the UK, right-wing audiences on X have nearly doubled.
In terms of emerging platforms, TikTok has shown significant growth, with 17% of the global audience using it for news. Interest in AI chatbots for news seeking is also on the rise, particularly among younger demographics, although there's a prevailing concern that AI may compromise news transparency and accuracy.
Despite the shift towards social media, trust in established news brands remains important across all generational groups, even if they are not utilized as frequently as before. The report, which surveyed almost 100,000 individuals across 48 countries, underscores the changing landscape of news consumption in the digital age.
