Social Media Now Top News Source in US, Australia

A report from the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism finds that social media and video platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok have overtaken traditional media as the primary news source for Americans, with 54%—especially those under 35—now relying on these platforms. In Australia, a similar trend is evident as young people increasingly use TikTok and Instagram for news, and politicians leverage these platforms to reach voters. Prominent online personalities like Joe Rogan and Tucker Carlson are drawing large, younger audiences and contributing to the decline of traditional news consumption. The report raises concerns about misinformation, with nearly half of global respondents viewing influencers and online personalities as significant sources of false or misleading content, rivaling politicians. It also highlights that X (formerly Twitter) has seen a significant increase in right-leaning users in the US following Elon Musk’s acquisition, while alternative platforms have had little impact. This shift poses major challenges for traditional journalism and questions the quality and trustworthiness of information.