USA Social Media Overtakes Traditional Outlets as America’s Primary News Source

[Social Media]

 

Title: Social Media Overtakes Traditional Outlets as America’s Primary News Source

 

Social media and video platforms have now become the leading sources of news in the United States, surpassing both traditional television and news websites, according to new research from the Reuters Institute. The findings indicate a significant shift in how Americans consume information, with 54% of respondents now turning to platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube for their news. This compares to 50% who still rely on TV and 48% who use news sites and apps.

 

“The rise of social media and personality-based news is not unique to the United States, but changes seem to be happening faster – and with more impact – than in other countries,” the report noted. This transformation in media consumption is reshaping not only how people access news but also the kind of content they engage with.

 

One of the most influential figures in this new media environment is podcaster Joe Rogan. The study found that nearly a quarter (22%) of the U.S. population encountered news or commentary from Rogan in the past week, highlighting the growing power of individual personalities over traditional outlets. Report author Nic Newman said this shift toward social video and personality-driven news “represents another significant challenge for traditional publishers.”

 

The report also spotlighted how some politicians are bypassing mainstream media in favor of interviews with sympathetic online personalities. “Populist politicians around the world are increasingly able to bypass traditional journalism in favour of friendly partisan media, 'personalities', and 'influencers' who often get special access but rarely ask difficult questions, with many implicated in spreading false narratives or worse,” it said.

 

Despite their popularity, these online influencers are also seen as a major source of misinformation. Nearly half (47%) of people worldwide identified them as a key contributor to false or misleading news—putting them on par with politicians. This suggests that the public is increasingly aware of the risks associated with consuming news from non-traditional, often partisan figures.

 

X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, continues to hold a strong position in the news landscape. Its usage for news remains “stable or increasing across many markets,” with the biggest surge happening in the United States. Since Elon Musk acquired the platform in 2022, the user base has shifted dramatically, with more right-leaning users—especially young men—joining, while some left-leaning individuals have either reduced their usage or left altogether. In fact, the proportion of users in the U.S. who identify as politically right-wing has tripled since Musk’s takeover, while in the UK, this demographic has nearly doubled.

 

Meanwhile, alternative platforms such as Threads, Bluesky, and Mastodon have struggled to gain traction. The report found that these networks each reach just 2% or less of users seeking news, suggesting that despite the growing dissatisfaction with mainstream platforms, alternatives have yet to offer a compelling replacement.

 

Among other notable findings, TikTok is emerging as the fastest-growing news source on social media, now used by 17% of people globally for news, up four percentage points from last year. AI chatbots are also becoming a more common tool for accessing news, particularly among those under 25, who use them at twice the rate of the general population.

 

However, the report also revealed deep concerns about artificial intelligence and news. Most respondents fear that AI will reduce transparency, accuracy, and trust in journalism. Still, across all age groups, there remains a strong appreciation for established news brands that are known for their credibility, even if those sources are not used as frequently as in the past.

 

Now in its 14th year, the Reuters Institute’s annual report surveyed nearly 100,000 people across 48 countries, offering a comprehensive look at the evolving global news landscape.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC  2025-06-18