Pew Research Center study shows rising social media use for news in US

A new study by the Pew Research Center reveals that social media is playing an increasingly significant role in how Americans consume news. According to the survey of over 3,500 U.S. adults conducted in June 2026, 58% of adults consider social media an important source of information, while 13% view it as their most important news source.

This represents a substantial shift compared to 2022, when only 43% of Americans considered social media an important news source and just 5% cited it as their primary source. The percentage of those who view these platforms as their main source of information has more than doubled over the four-year period.

Analysts from Social Media Today note that this trend raises questions regarding the influence of technology companies on information flow. Digital platforms utilize algorithms based on engagement metrics—such as reactions, comments, and shares—to determine content visibility and distribution.