Social Media Surpasses TV as America's Primary News Source

The Digital Shift in News Consumption

In a historic shift, social media has officially overtaken television as the primary source of news for Americans, according to the 2025 Digital News Report released by Oxford’s Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism. Based on a global survey of nearly 100,000 people across 48 countries, the findings reveal that 54% of Americans now rely on social media for their weekly news intake — edging out traditional television, which stands at 50%. Online news websites are close behind at 48%, while print has seen a dramatic decline, used by only 14% of respondents in 2025 compared to 47% in 2013.

The study’s methodology, conducted via online questionnaire, may lean toward younger and more digitally connected demographics. Still, the overall trend is unmistakable and particularly pronounced in the United States. Even more intriguing is the rise of AI chatbots as emerging news platforms, with 7% of total users and a notable 15% among those under 25 now turning to these tools for updates.

The shift is fueled by several key factors. The fragmented nature of American media — lacking a unifying broadcaster like the UK’s undercode — has paved the way for a more decentralized, often partisan ecosystem. Meanwhile, many legacy media organizations were slow to invest in short-form video content, allowing influencers on TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram to dominate the space.

Smartphones and the growing influence of video-based consumption have further accelerated this trend. Americans increasingly seek out quick, shareable news bites — and more importantly, they trust the personalities behind them. Trust in institutional media continues to decline, while individual “newsfluencers” are gaining momentum. A Pew Research study from February reported that 21% of Americans now get their news from these influential online figures.

This shift also offers a strategic advantage to politicians, who can now bypass traditional gatekeepers and deliver their messages directly through friendly creators — often without facing critical scrutiny. However, this growing trend underscores an urgent need for media literacy. With AI-generated content on the rise and deepfakes becoming increasingly convincing, discerning fact from fiction is more crucial than ever.

Consumers are advised to verify sources, cross-check images with reverse search tools, and pause before sharing emotional content. As AI and algorithmic feeds dominate our media diets, skepticism and critical thinking must become default habits.

What Undercode Say:

This seismic transformation in how news is consumed is not merely about preference or convenience — it’s a shift in the fabric of public discourse and civic awareness. The collapse of traditional media’s dominance reflects not only a technological evolution but also a cultural realignment. The platforms people turn to for news now double as arenas of identity, expression, and ideological confirmation.

At face value, this might seem like a win for decentralization — giving voice to a broader range of perspectives, democratizing journalism, and creating space for marginalized narratives. However, this also opens the floodgates to unvetted information, confirmation bias, and even manipulation. When a meme or a 15-second clip holds more sway than a thoroughly investigated report, the integrity of public knowledge is at stake.

The challenge isn’t just that people are turning to social media — it’s who they’re trusting on these platforms. Influencers, many with no journalistic background, now serve as de facto news anchors to millions. Their appeal lies in relatability, speed, and emotional resonance — qualities traditional news has often failed to capture. But these strengths are also vulnerabilities, prone to exploitation by bad actors and algorithmic amplification of outrage.

AI’s entry into the ecosystem further complicates the landscape. Though usage is still relatively low, its adoption among Gen Z suggests a rising trust in generative tools — even as trust in AI content paradoxically declines. This contradiction speaks volumes: users enjoy AI’s utility but remain wary of its truthfulness. A future where misinformation is indistinguishable from fact isn’t speculative; it’s on our doorstep.

The RISJ report is a wake-up call to institutions and audiences alike. Legacy media must innovate or fade. Meanwhile, the public must evolve into not just consumers but critics of information. News today isn’t just received — it’s selected, curated, and internalized based on personal affinity, emotional impact, and perceived authenticity. That makes media literacy the single most important skill of the decade.

Undercode sees this transformation as both an opportunity and a caution. While the tools to tell stories have never been more accessible, the standards for credibility are eroding. We must rebuild trust — not in platforms, but in processes: verification, transparency, and accountability.

🔍 Fact Checker Results:

✅ It is true that social media now surpasses TV in news consumption in the U.S., with 54% vs. 50% usage
✅ Print media has experienced a steady, sharp decline — from 47% in 2013 to 14% in 2025
❌ AI chatbots are not a primary news source yet, but usage is growing among Gen Z

📊 Prediction: The Rise of “Newsfluencers” Will Cement by 2027

By 2027, we can expect individual news influencers to rival — or even eclipse — legacy media outlets in reach and influence, especially among younger audiences. As AI tools become better at personalization and voice emulation, creators will leverage these technologies to scale their brands without losing the personal touch that makes them so compelling. However, with that growth will come greater scrutiny, regulation, and public demand for credibility — birthing a new kind of hybrid: the certified independent journalist.