While Meta initially announced at the beginning of the year a significant reduction in its efforts to combat misinformation, various studies showed an increase in the spread of fake news, including in France. Perhaps realizing the gravity of this issue, and likely because social networks have become critical pillars of information, the company, founded by Mark Zuckerberg, partially reversed its decision, incorporating community notes among other strategies.
This giant cat is the size of a 9-year-old—and his story is captivating everyone
Fruit yogurts under fire: Experts warn about hidden sugars and unhealthy additives
Indeed, according to a recent report by the Pew Research Center, by 2025, more than half of American adults report that they at least occasionally get their news from social media platforms. Among these platforms, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok have emerged as key sources for following current events.
Facebook and YouTube Lead, TikTok Makes Rapid Gains
Based on a study conducted last August, Facebook remains the most utilized platform for news, with 38% of American adults regularly getting informed through the social network. YouTube is close behind with 35%. However, it’s especially TikTok and Instagram that have shown remarkable growth. While only 3% of Americans used TikTok for news in 2020, that number has now jumped to 20%. Instagram has also reached this milestone, indicating that these platforms are attracting a younger audience to their information dissemination roles.
Conversely, X is losing ground: 12% of adults regularly get their news there, down from 15% five years earlier. Reddit and WhatsApp remain marginal, with 9% and 5% of American users respectively using them as news sources.
TikTok, a Reflection of New Generations
When examining usage by user profile, the trends become clearer. Pew Research Center data reveals that over half of TikTok’s users—precisely 55%—regularly consume news on the app, a significant rise from just 22% in 2020. This surge underscores the growing importance of the Chinese social network as a news hub for young adults.
This shift raises concerns in the United States, especially since TikTok’s role as a news source has been accompanied by debates over foreign influence and misinformation risks for years. However, as TikTok prepares for a potential sale, these concerns may diminish.
A Generational and Social Divide
The findings from the Pew Research Center also highlight differences according to user profiles, particularly among women who favor Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, whereas men are more inclined toward YouTube, X, or Reddit.
Younger individuals confirm their preference for TikTok and Instagram. Lastly, less educated populations are more likely to get their information via Facebook and TikTok, unlike graduates who diversify their news sources more broadly.
Similar Posts
- Despite Criticism, Social Network X Remains a Key Information Source: Study Finds
- Influencers: The Top News Source in the US, New Study Reveals
- Study of 30,000 Brands Discloses Prime Time to Post on Social Media: Boost Your Engagement!
- Top 50 Websites Dominating Traffic With AI: See Who’s Leading the Digital Revolution!
- Short Video Uploads Surge by 71% in a Year: But Are Viewers Tuning Out?
“A doctor reveals the hidden triggers behind cold sores—it’s not just fever”
Italy Unveils €4.5 Billion Bank Contribution to Slash Deficit Below EU Limit—Controversy and Relief Mix in New Budget Plan
Samantha Klein is a seasoned tech journalist with a sharp focus on Apple and mobile ecosystems. With over a decade of experience, she brings insightful commentary and deep technical understanding to the fast-evolving world of consumer technology.