Social media overtakes TV as main source of news in US, analysis finds

The information world has reached a pivotal moment. On June 17, 2025, a global media study confirmed what many had sensed coming for years — social media has officially surpassed television as the leading source of news in the United States. This marks a historic transformation in how people engage with events, information, and current affairs. With more than half of Americans (54%) now depending on social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and X for their daily news fix, the traditional dominance of the television screen has finally been overtaken.

📊 Numbers That Speak

Social media usage for news in the US: 54%

TV usage for news in the US: 50%

Global concern about misinformation online: 58%

Americans who find it hard to verify real vs fake news: 73%

News avoiders in the UK: 46% (the highest worldwide)

Under-25s using AI chatbots like ChatGPT for news: 15%

🎯 Generational Shift in Trust and Preference

The most dramatic change is visible in younger generations. For those under the age of 35, television has become nearly irrelevant as a news source. These users are turning instead to fast, visually engaging platforms and voices they trust — whether that means established creators, journalists on YouTube, or unfiltered commentary from influencers.

The era of sitting passively in front of the 9 PM news is giving way to real-time alerts, livestream debates, and short-form videos that are easy to scroll, react to, and share. In this digital evolution, speed and relatability trump scripted broadcasts.

🧠 Rise of the “Newsfluencer”

From Joe Rogan to independent YouTubers and even TikTok commentators, news consumption is becoming increasingly personalized. Instead of relying on faceless institutions, millions now turn to people who speak their language and reflect their views — or challenge them in accessible ways.

These “newsfluencers” often address topics mainstream media avoids or simplifies. They build direct relationships with their audiences and promote longer attention spans through podcasts, discussions, and detailed breakdowns. While this brings fresh perspectives, it also opens doors to echo chambers and ideological bias.

🔄 Misinformation: The Looming Shadow

Though convenient and often more engaging, social platforms come with their own dangers. The same study highlights that 73% of Americans find it difficult to distinguish real news from fake on social platforms. Algorithmic feeds are not neutral—they often reinforce what users already believe. As a result, misinformation spreads faster, especially during elections, crises, and health emergencies.

This wave of distrust is amplified when political actors or influencers intentionally sow doubt. In the absence of editors, fact-checkers, or institutional standards, truth can become fragmented.

🚨 Fatigue and Avoidance: A Silent Epidemic

Surprisingly, the rise in access hasn’t made people more informed. In fact, it has driven many to disconnect entirely. The study reveals a sharp increase in “news avoidance”, especially in the UK where 46% of people intentionally avoid news content. Globally, the figure stands at 40%.

The reasons vary — emotional burnout, distrust, negativity overload, and the feeling that “nothing changes.” This avoidance trend could have serious implications for democracy, especially as public debates become more polarized and citizens less engaged.

🤖 AI News — A New Frontier

Artificial Intelligence is fast becoming a surrogate news anchor for younger users. Chatbots like ChatGPT, Meta AI, and Gemini are being used to get concise summaries and quick explanations. About 15% of users under 25 now rely on chatbots weekly for updates.

This shift is part of a broader trend: people want to save time, reduce anxiety, and bypass endless scrolling. However, the use of AI also raises questions — are these responses neutral? Are the models biased? Will they promote or suppress critical stories?

📉 Impact on Traditional Media

For legacy TV channels and print outlets, the writing is on the wall. Audiences are shrinking, attention spans are fragmenting, and advertising models are under pressure. The platforms where content lives—Facebook, YouTube, Instagram—don’t prioritize linking back to original articles. That means publishers lose both traffic and revenue.

This forces journalism to either adapt — embracing creators, shorts, and streaming — or risk obsolescence. While many major newsrooms have begun this transition, others still resist, hoping loyalty or credibility will keep them afloat. The numbers now say otherwise.

🧭 Looking Ahead: What Must Change

The report urges an urgent response:

Build trust through transparency, fact-checking, and accessible storytelling.

Embrace new formats — podcasts, live discussions, animated explainers, and vertical video.

Target fatigue by offering solutions-based journalism, positive stories, and reader involvement.

Regulate algorithms that reward outrage over truth.

The challenge is no longer just where people get their news — but how it affects their understanding, emotions, and choices.

🌎 The Symbolism of This Shift

This is more than a media story. It symbolizes a turning point in society:

→ Where truth competes with popularity

→ Where individuals rival institutions

→ Where scrolling replaces watching

→ Where “knowing” can mean seeing 15 seconds of a story

It’s the age of participatory journalism, where everyone’s a reporter, and the line between consumer and creator is blurring.

🧩 Final Thought

Social media didn't just beat television — it redefined the news. This isn't merely a change in channel; it’s a cultural pivot. The screen in your hand now speaks louder than the screen on your wall. What we do with that power will shape not only our understanding of the world but the world itself.