From CNBC: 2024-11-18 10:33:04

A new study by the Pew Research Center reveals that 1 in 5 Americans rely on social media “news influencers” for news, with younger users leading the trend. Nearly 40% of adults under 30 stay informed through independent social media figures, posing concerns about misinformation and political influence during the U.S. presidential election.

Social media influencers, particularly on X, Instagram, and YouTube, have become go-to sources for news, with around two-thirds active on multiple platforms. Questions arise about the impact of these influencers on political discourse and the spread of misinformation, as candidates turn to podcasts and social media to reach voters more effectively and affordably.

Recent Pew research shows that the majority of news influencers are male and lean conservative, especially on platforms like YouTube and Facebook. The gender and political breakdown of audiences on different platforms can create echo chambers and political silos, potentially exacerbating political stratification and misinformation online. The influence of social media personalities on politics is becoming increasingly significant as more Americans turn to them for news.



Read more at CNBC: More Americans get news from social media influencers