A recent study by the Reuters Institute reveals a significant transition in news consumption patterns among Americans, where social media and video platforms have now eclipsed traditional television and news websites as primary sources of news.
Social Media Surpasses Traditional Media as Primary News Source in the US
Social Media Surpasses Traditional Media as Primary News Source in the US
Research indicates a shift in how Americans consume news, with social media emerging as a leading platform.
Social media platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, account for 54% of news consumption, surpassing television at 50% and news sites/apps at 48%. This growth is not just an American phenomenon; however, the speed and influence of this shift appear more pronounced in the US compared to other regions. According to the report, nearly a quarter of the population reported encountering news or commentary from popular podcaster Joe Rogan in just one week.
The report's author, Nic Newman, highlighted the challenge this trend poses to conventional news publishers. It is becoming increasingly common for politicians to favor interviews with sympathetic online figures rather than traditional mainstream media, allowing them to sidestep tougher questioning and, at times, disseminate misleading narratives. Alarmingly, 47% of individuals worldwide cite influencers and personalities as pivotal sources of misinformation.
The study notes continued growth in the usage of X for news, particularly among right-leaning audiences, with young men showing a marked increase following Elon Musk's acquisition. Despite the rise of emerging platforms like Threads, Bluesky, and Mastodon, they have yet to make substantial inroads in news.
TikTok stands out as the fastest-growing social network for news consumption, with 17% of individuals using it, marking a four-point increase from last year. Interestingly, while AI chatbots are gaining traction for news acquisition, trust in their transparency and accuracy is waning. Overall, regardless of platform preferences, there remains a strong desire among audiences for reliable news brands known for their accuracy, showcasing the ongoing relevance of traditional journalism even as habits evolve.
The report, marking its 14th year, surveyed nearly 100,000 participants across 48 countries, providing a comprehensive overview of the changing landscape of news consumption.
The report's author, Nic Newman, highlighted the challenge this trend poses to conventional news publishers. It is becoming increasingly common for politicians to favor interviews with sympathetic online figures rather than traditional mainstream media, allowing them to sidestep tougher questioning and, at times, disseminate misleading narratives. Alarmingly, 47% of individuals worldwide cite influencers and personalities as pivotal sources of misinformation.
The study notes continued growth in the usage of X for news, particularly among right-leaning audiences, with young men showing a marked increase following Elon Musk's acquisition. Despite the rise of emerging platforms like Threads, Bluesky, and Mastodon, they have yet to make substantial inroads in news.
TikTok stands out as the fastest-growing social network for news consumption, with 17% of individuals using it, marking a four-point increase from last year. Interestingly, while AI chatbots are gaining traction for news acquisition, trust in their transparency and accuracy is waning. Overall, regardless of platform preferences, there remains a strong desire among audiences for reliable news brands known for their accuracy, showcasing the ongoing relevance of traditional journalism even as habits evolve.
The report, marking its 14th year, surveyed nearly 100,000 participants across 48 countries, providing a comprehensive overview of the changing landscape of news consumption.
