Report Finds That X Remains a Key News Source for Many

07/17/25
Source: Social Media Today – Latest News by Andrew Hutchinson. Read the original article

TL;DR Summary of X Remains a Key News Source Despite Platform Changes

The Reuters Institute Digital News Report reveals that X continues to be a significant source of news globally, with stable or increasing usage in key markets like the U.S., Australia, and Poland. While newer platforms such as Threads and Bluesky have minimal impact, TikTok is rapidly growing as a news provider, especially among younger audiences. The rise of influencers as trusted news sources highlights a shift in how news is consumed, underscoring the importance of enhancing digital literacy worldwide to combat misinformation.

Optimixed’s Overview: Unpacking the Latest Trends in Digital News Consumption and Social Media Influence

Insights from the Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2025

The Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2025 is based on feedback from nearly 100,000 respondents across 48 countries, providing a comprehensive look at how audiences engage with news on social platforms. Despite major changes at X (formerly Twitter), the platform remains a vital news source, especially in Western markets.

Key Findings on Platform Usage and Audience Shifts

  • X’s News Usage Stability: Usage has remained stable or increased in countries including the U.S., Australia, and Poland. Notably, the U.S. has seen a rise in right-leaning users since Elon Musk’s acquisition.
  • Emerging Platforms: New social networks like Threads, Bluesky, and Mastodon have limited influence globally, holding less than 2% reach for news.
  • TikTok’s Rapid Growth: Approximately 33% of the global sample use TikTok, with about half of those accessing news content—especially strong growth in Thailand and among younger demographics.

The Increasing Role of Influencers and Digital Literacy

On platforms such as Snapchat and TikTok, influencers are becoming more prominent as news sources than traditional media outlets. This trend underscores a shifting trust dynamic, where personal connections with content creators may surpass trust in mainstream media.

This evolution highlights the urgent need for comprehensive digital literacy education worldwide, equipping people to critically evaluate online information and mitigate the spread of misinformation.

Challenges and Regional Differences in Trust

  • Concerns over Misinformation: Although X remains key for many, its platform struggles to curb harmful misinformation effectively despite initiatives like Community Notes.
  • Regional Trust Variations: Facebook and TikTok face lower trust levels in some African countries, while X’s influence is more dominant in Western nations.
  • Geopolitical Implications: The growing presence of TikTok as a news source raises concerns about potential content influence due to its Chinese ownership, prompting some countries to consider restrictions.

Overall, these insights provide a valuable snapshot of the evolving digital news landscape, emphasizing the complex interplay between platform dynamics, user trust, and the future of news consumption.