Social media eclipses traditional outlets as leading global news source

A new Oxford University Digital News Report surveying 100,000 consumers in 48 countries finds social media now the primary source of news for all age groups, with 54% of respondents using platforms for news in the past week, surpassing traditional TV, radio and news websites. The shift is evident in 22 of the 48 markets, and among younger adults (18‑24) reliance rises to 52%.

The Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2026 confirms the trend, noting that social media and video platforms together account for 54% of weekly news consumption, with Facebook leading at 43% followed by YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. The report calls the change “more a drift than a sudden jump, but nevertheless an important moment.” The findings underscore challenges for legacy media and growing concerns about misinformation, especially in Latin America where platform use is high and trust in traditional outlets is declining.