Social Media’s Role in News Consumption: The Data

Social media’s growing influence on news consumption
Src: Pew-Knight Initiative

Social media is playing an increasingly vital role in news consumption, especially among younger generations. A staggering 40% of people aged 18-29 regularly follow “news influencers”—high-reach individuals who share news and civic issues.

Political leanings of news influencers:
🔵 21% lean left
51% remain neutral
🔴 27% lean right

The growing influence of news influencers raises concerns about objectivity and information quality.
Are social media platforms becoming the dominant source of news?

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Source: Pew-Knight Initiative

January 2025