Study: 37% of Americans Get News From Social Media Influencers

A recent Pew Research study reveals that social media influencers are playing an increasingly significant role in news consumption, especially among younger audiences. The survey, which included over 10,000 U.S. adults and analysed 500 news influencers, highlights how platforms like X (formerly Twitter) are reshaping how people access and engage with news content.

The findings show that about one in five Americans now regularly get news from social media influencers. Among adults aged 18 to 29, this number jumps to 37%. This trend reflects a broader shift away from traditional media outlets, as many perceive these platforms to be influenced by external agendas. Instead, consumers are turning to influencers they view as less biased and more relatable.

Social media algorithms have also impacted news distribution, often amplifying sensational or divisive content to drive engagement. This has contributed to a polarized media landscape, where emotionally charged content gets prioritized over nuanced reporting – but has also meant that more important topics, like political scandals, are also far more likely to gain traction as major pieces of news.

Platforms like X remain pivotal for real-time news updates, despite recent controversies over content moderation and political bias – for example, X has 85% more news influencers than most other sites, with Instagram following close behind at a 50% lead above your typical news sources. Even if users don’t agree with every opinion a user states – which is true for around 61% of surveyed Americans – they still use those influencers as a quick and easy source of news about whatever topics or industries that influencer covers.