Social media overtakes traditional journalism as primary news source for US adults

A new report from Syracuse University’s Center for the Creator Economy indicates that social media platforms have surpassed traditional TV news as the most frequent source of political and election news among American adults.

A survey of 1,001 adults found that 59% regularly obtain news from social media, while 55% use these platforms for political information. Combined, social platforms and independent outlets like YouTube, X, TikTok, and Substack were cited by 60% of respondents, compared to 32% who rely on traditional newsrooms.

YouTube emerged as the top individual source for political and election news at 16.5%, slightly ahead of broadcast and cable TV news at 16.1%. Other significant sources included X at 14%, Facebook at 10.8%, and TikTok at 10.4%. The findings suggest a shift in trust, with 61% of Americans reporting they trust well-known independent news creators as much as professional journalists or major news organizations on political topics.