This chart from the Pew Research Center shows data from the American Trends Panel conducted yearly that studies how Americans prefer to get their news.
As we can see, having access to a vast information environment in our pockets has changed how we prefer to get our news drastically. Knowing that we prefer digital media, where are we getting our news from via the internet?
Notice that 2024 marks the first year that Americans have indicated a preference for getting news through social media vs. a traditional search. News websites still remain the primary source, but the gap is shrinking rapidly.
For more information on the trends within social media related to how we get our news, check out Pew Research Center's Social Media and News Fact Sheet.
Given Social Media's rise in preference, what drives Americans to get their news this way?
Predominantly, convenience and speed topped the list of reasons. However, diving deeper into the research shows us that Americans also don't fully TRUST social media for accuracy. Four-in-ten Americans cited inaccuracy of news on social media as their main reason for disliking it, and when it comes to where most preferred to look for basic facts, in-depth information, and even opinions on news, traditional news outlets still remain the primary source.
Source: Forman-Katz, L. W. and N. (2024, February 7). Many Americans find value in getting news on social media, but concerns about inaccuracy have risen. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/02/07/many-americans-find-value-in-getting-news-on-social-media-but-concerns-about-inaccuracy-have-risen/
