A recent Pew Research Center report reveals a growing reliance on social media influencers for news, with one in five Americans regularly turning to them for updates. This trend highlights a shift in trust, as many people seek alternative perspectives outside of traditional news outlets, which have faced increasing scrutiny for spreading misinformation and biased narratives.
21% of U.S. adults say they regularly get news from news influencers on social media. This is especially common among younger adults: 37% of those ages 18 to 29 say they regularly get news from influencers. https://t.co/SihgsQYzih pic.twitter.com/gYFfPetWr7
— Pew Research Center (@pewresearch) November 18, 2024
The report, based on a survey of over 10,000 U.S. adults, found that both Republicans and Democrats are equally likely to follow influencers on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and TikTok. Influencers such as Brian Tyler Cohen, Ben Shapiro, and Joe Rogan provide a range of political and non-partisan perspectives, attracting followers who feel alienated by what they perceive as agenda-driven reporting in mainstream media.
During the last U.S. presidential campaign, influencers became pivotal in shaping public discourse, with many Americans preferring their authentic, unfiltered content over the often sensationalized coverage seen on major networks. Unlike legacy outlets, influencers frequently engage directly with their audiences, fostering trust and transparency. This direct relationship, paired with their ability to quickly address misinformation, has made them invaluable for many seeking credible alternatives.
For years, mainstream outlets have faced accusations of selectively framing stories, misreporting critical events, or omitting details that don’t fit their narratives. This has left a vacuum for influencers to fill, offering fact-checks, expert opinions, and diverse viewpoints. As the Pew study highlights, these influencers now play an essential role in holding traditional media accountable while providing audiences with news they find more trustworthy.
Still, the rise of influencers as primary news sources presents challenges. As decentralized platforms replace centralized gatekeepers, the responsibility for verifying information shifts to individuals. While many influencers emphasize accuracy, audiences must critically evaluate content to distinguish reliable reporting from sensationalism.
The growing trust in influencers signals a broader dissatisfaction with the mainstream media’s approach to news. As digital platforms continue to democratize information, influencers have become key players in empowering audiences to think critically and seek out diverse perspectives, challenging the dominance of traditional outlets.