A new global survey shows that social media has now overtaken TV and news websites as the main way Americans get their news. The study, which included nearly 100,000 participants across 48 countries, found that 54% of people in the United States use platforms like Facebook, X, and YouTube to access news. This is higher than the 50% who watch news on television and the 48% who use news websites or mobile apps.
This shift marks a major change in how people consume news. The study found that the growth of social media and personality-led news is happening faster in the United States than in most other countries. Experts say this creates new challenges for traditional news outlets, as people turn to individual content creators for news and opinions.
One of the most recognized figures in this space is podcaster Joe Rogan. Almost 22% of Americans said they had seen news or commentary from him in the past week. This shows how online personalities can have wide influence, often reaching people in ways that mainstream media cannot.
The report also noted that politicians are adapting to this change. Many now choose to appear on online shows hosted by friendly influencers, instead of sitting for interviews with traditional journalists. These influencers usually avoid tough questions and allow for more relaxed conversations. While this can help politicians reach larger or more loyal audiences, it also raises concerns about accuracy and balance.
According to the research, this trend is not just limited to the United States. Across the world, many political figures are using social media and influencer platforms to speak directly to supporters. However, almost half of global users—47%—identified these influencers as major sources of false or misleading information. Politicians received the same score, reflecting public concern over the reliability of news from these sources.
The study also highlighted ongoing changes in how people use different social platforms for news. In the US, the number of people using X for news is stable or rising. Since Elon Musk acquired the platform in 2022, many young, right-leaning users have joined, while some progressive users have reduced their use or left altogether. In fact, the number of users in the US who describe themselves as right-wing tripled after Musk’s takeover. In the UK, that number nearly doubled.
Meanwhile, platforms that were built as alternatives to X, such as Threads, Mastodon, and Bluesky, have not seen the same level of adoption. Globally, each has a news audience share of just 2% or less, according to the data.
TikTok has emerged as the fastest-growing platform for news use. It is now used by 17% of people worldwide to get news, up from 13% last year. Its short videos and wide reach among younger users have helped it become a key source for quick news updates.
The study also found that the use of AI chatbots for news is increasing. People under the age of 25 are twice as likely to use AI tools to get the news compared to older generations. Still, most people are skeptical about AI-generated news. Many believe it will reduce the transparency, accuracy, and trustworthiness of the news overall.
Despite the rise of new platforms and tools, traditional news brands remain important. People of all ages still value trusted sources with a strong record of accurate reporting, even if they use them less than before.
