Social media takes over conventional media as main source of news in US

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Social media platforms like Facebook, X, and YouTube have overtaken television and news websites as the primary sources of news in the United States, according to new research from the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism. 

More than half of Americans (54 per cent) now rely on social and video platforms for news, compared to 50 per cent who get news from TV and 48 per cent from news websites or apps.

The report identifies the growing influence of personality-driven news and social video as a significant challenge for traditional media outlets. 

"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," said study's lead author Nic Newman.

Podcaster Joe Rogan emerged as the most widely seen news personality in the US, with 22 per cent of the population encountering his content in the past week. 

The rise in social media-driven content mirrors a broader trend where politicians increasingly choose to appear on partisan online shows rather than face scrutiny from mainstream journalists. 

The report warned that such platforms often lack rigorous fact-checking and accountability, contributing to the spread of misinformation.

Nearly half of global respondents (47 per cent) said that online influencers and personalities are a leading source of false or misleading information—on par with politicians.

Meanwhile, X has seen a noticeable shift in user demographics since Elon Musk acquired the platform in 2022. 

The share of self-identified right-leaning users in the US has tripled, and in the UK, it has nearly doubled. The platform has grown in popularity among conservative-leaning young men, while progressive users have reportedly reduced their activity or left the platform.

In contrast, rival platforms like Threads, Bluesky, and Mastodon continue to struggle for traction, with each claiming only about 2 per cent or less of users seeking news globally.

The personality-driven news trend is not limited to the US In India, content creators like Ranveer Allahbadia (BeerBiceps) and Dhruv Rathee have built massive followings by blending commentary, interviews, and infotainment with newsworthy topics.

Rathee, who has over 19 million YouTube subscribers (English + Hindi channels), is known for detailed political explainers.

While Allahbadia, also known as BeerBiceps), has more than 6.5 million subscribers (Hindi) and 4.5 million (English). He hosts celebrity and expert interviews on The Ranveer Show.