Social Media Overtakes Traditional News With 54% Weekly Use, Led by 52% of 18-24s
Updated
Updated · Euronews · Jun 17
Social Media Overtakes Traditional News With 54% Weekly Use, Led by 52% of 18-24s
3 articles · Updated · Euronews · Jun 17
Summary
Oxford’s Digital News Report found 54% of people in 48 countries used social media for news at least weekly, topping the 51% who used TV, radio or news websites.
30% now name social and video platforms as their main news source, up from 22% in 2020; among 18-24s, that rises to 52%, 32 points above the next most popular source.
The shift reflects a gradual drift rather than a sudden break, with TV news and news apps down 13 and 12 points since 2020 while social media use increased in 22 markets.
Traditional media still lead in countries including the UK, Germany and the Netherlands, where trust in legacy outlets remains higher and users rely less on individual creators.
AI remains a minor news source for now—10% used it in the past week—but the report said Google’s push toward AI search could still reshape consumption habits.
As young audiences adopt AI for news despite low trust, what are the hidden risks to their critical thinking skills?
With AI and social media eroding traffic, what new business model can save local journalism from becoming extinct?
When individual creators replace newsrooms for young audiences, who is responsible for journalistic accuracy and ethics?
2026 News Revolution: Social Media and AI Redefine How 54% of the World Consumes News
Overview
In 2026, social media and video networks became the leading sources for news worldwide, with 54% of users relying on these platforms as their main news channel. This shift is driven by the erosion of trust in traditional institutions and the rise of new digital voices, especially among younger audiences. At the same time, artificial intelligence is starting to shape news consumption, as 10% of people under 35 now use AI chatbots to access news. These changes highlight a move toward more personalized, interactive, and AI-driven news experiences, marking a major transformation in how people discover and engage with information.