Fact Check: "54% of Americans get news from social media, outpacing TV's 50%."
What We Know
Recent research indicates that 54% of Americans now obtain news from social media platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube. This figure surpasses the 50% of Americans who report getting news from traditional television sources. The data comes from a comprehensive survey conducted by the Reuters Institute, which highlights a significant shift in news consumption habits in the United States (BBC, Pew Research Center). The report also notes that news consumption via social media has increased slightly compared to previous years, reflecting broader trends in digital media consumption (Nieman Lab).
Analysis
The claim that 54% of Americans get news from social media, outpacing TV's 50%, is supported by multiple reputable sources. The Reuters Institute report, which surveyed nearly 100,000 people across 48 countries, provides a robust foundation for this statistic (BBC, Pew Research Center). The findings are corroborated by other outlets, including The Guardian and The Wrap, which also report similar statistics regarding the shift from traditional TV to social media as a primary news source (The Guardian, The Wrap).
The reliability of these sources is high; both the Reuters Institute and Pew Research Center are well-respected organizations known for their rigorous research methodologies. The Pew Research Center, in particular, has a long-standing reputation for producing credible data on media consumption trends (Pew Research Center).
However, it is essential to note that while the data reflects a significant trend, it also highlights concerns regarding the quality of information consumed via social media. The report mentions that nearly 47% of respondents view online influencers and personalities as significant sources of misinformation (BBC). This duality underscores the need for critical engagement with news sources, especially in an era where social media dominates.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that 54% of Americans get news from social media, surpassing the 50% who get news from television, is accurate based on multiple credible sources. The data reflects a significant shift in how Americans consume news, with social media platforms increasingly becoming primary sources of information.
Sources
- Social media now main source of news in US, research ...
- For the first time, social media overtakes TV as Americans' ...
- Social Media and News Fact Sheet, 2024
- Social media overtakes TV as main source of news in US, ...
- Social Media Overtakes TV as Americans' Top News Source
- News Platform Fact Sheet, 2024
- Social Media Overtakes TV As Primary Source Of News In ...
- Social media becomes main source of news for first time
