In today’s digital age, social media has become more than just a place to connect with friends or share videos. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly known as Twitter) have become primary sources for breaking news and current events. For many, especially younger generations, scrolling through their social media feed is how they stay informed about the world.
According to poll data from Pew Research, the proportion of TikTok users who obtain news from the well-known video-sharing site has almost doubled since 2020. The result is consistent with a broader consumer culture shift toward using digital platforms for news consumption, as approximately 50% of Americans report using social media to obtain news.
With nearly everyone carrying a smartphone, getting news has never been simpler. Users of social media networks can quickly browse through viral videos, breaking news, and current topics. Many people find getting updates instantly more convenient than waiting for the nightly news or picking up a paper newspaper.
“I don’t watch the news. I get most of my news from TikTok. It’s way faster and way more convenient for me,” stated senior Gael Maldonado.
This trend is clearly affecting younger audiences. In fact, according to the Pew Research Center, almost half of American adults under 30 obtain the majority of their news on social media. They frequently find the brief, easily readable content more interesting than traditional news formats.
Social media presents unique difficulties despite providing instant access to news and breaking stories. Platforms have the advantage of enabling real-time updates for users. Since independent creators, journalists, and even eyewitnesses may now readily provide firsthand reports, diverse perspectives are also more freely accessible.
Social media does have its drawbacks, however. One big worry is the dissemination of false information. When anyone can spread “news,” it gets harder to distinguish between true and false. False information travels fast, and algorithms frequently favor dramatic content over in-depth reporting.
Senior Joel Cerrara adds, “Sometimes I don’t even know if what I’m seeing is true, but it’s everywhere, so it feels real.”
It might be difficult to tell if a source is trustworthy, but there are tools available online to assist you in sorting and sorting. ABC News, for instance, compiled a list of questions to assist in making the decision: who shared or created this? This was made when? Which account is disseminating this? Why was this disclosed? These queries are particularly useful for stories that aren’t making headlines or trending, such as tweets concerning less widely publicized, smaller-scale news.
Naturally, for students at Veterans Memorial High School, social media is often the first place they turn to for news. A quick interview with some students revealed that platforms like TikTok and Instagram are more commonly used than traditional news apps or broadcasts.
Senior Remy Riley says, “I like getting my news on TikTok because it’s quick, and I can watch multiple videos in a short amount of time.”
Another student, Junior Dylan Riggs, also replied, “I don’t watch the news. The only time I watch the news is with my parents. I mostly use TikTok or Instagram to get my news now.”
“TikTok is way more easier to hear about news than a regular new sources,” Junior Marla Gonzalez stated.
As more people shift toward social media for their news, traditional media outlets are forced to adapt. Many newspapers and television stations now maintain strong social media presences, sharing content directly on platforms like Instagram and TikTok to stay relevant.
As the trend toward social media news consumption grows, the future of journalism remains questionable. Will traditional media channels be able to keep up, or will social media become the primary way people stay informed?
In an age where everyone can publish information, trustworthy media outlets continue to play an important role. The difficulty for social media platforms and traditional channels is finding a balance between speed, accuracy, and public trust. Only time will tell how this balance affects the future of news.
