Social media overtakes TV as main news source in the US
As Americans increasingly scroll instead of switch channels, the way we engage with news is undergoing a seismic transformation that challenges the very foundations of traditional journalism.
Social media and video platforms have officially overtaken traditional television and news websites as the primary way Americans consume news, according to new research from the Reuters Institute. Over half of respondents (54%) now turn to platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter) for their news, surpassing TV (50%) and dedicated news websites or apps (48%).
The study highlights the growing dominance of personality-driven news, particularly through social video, with figures like podcaster Joe Rogan reaching nearly a quarter of the population weekly. That shift poses serious challenges for traditional media outlets as more users gravitate toward influencers and creators who present news in a casual or partisan style.
There is concern, however, about the accuracy of this new media landscape. Nearly half of global respondents identify online influencers as major sources of false or misleading information, on par with politicians.
At the same time, populist leaders are increasingly using sympathetic online hosts to bypass tough questions from mainstream journalists, often spreading unchecked narratives. The report also notes a rise in AI tools for news consumption, especially among Gen Z, though public trust in AI’s ability to deliver reliable news remains low.
Despite the rise of alternative platforms like Threads and Mastodon, they’ve struggled to gain traction. Even as user habits change, one constant remains: people still value reliable news sources, even if they turn to them less often.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!