Social Media Overtakes Television as Primary News Source Globally, Study Finds

Social media has surpassed traditional media as the primary source of news worldwide, according to a comprehensive new study conducted across 16 countries. The survey reveals that 56% of internet users frequently rely on social media platforms for news, significantly outpacing television at 44%.

The shift toward digital news consumption varies notably across different regions. In highly developed countries, television still leads with 55% of users preferring it over social media (37%). However, in nations with medium to low Human Development Index (HDI) ratings, social media dominates significantly, with 68% of users turning to these platforms compared to just 37% for television.

Age remains a critical factor in news consumption habits. Younger users under 35 are more than twice as likely to use social media for news (67%) compared to those aged 55 and older (31%).

Despite the growing prevalence of social media for news consumption, traditional media maintains higher trust levels among consumers. Television news enjoys the highest credibility at 66%, followed closely by radio news (63%) and print media (61%). In contrast, only 50% of respondents expressed trust in news encountered on social media platforms.

The study highlights a significant paradox: while social media has become the dominant news source, it’s also where disinformation is perceived to be most rampant. An overwhelming 68% of internet users believe social media platforms harbor the most widespread disinformation, far exceeding concerns about messaging apps (38%) and media websites (20%).

“The prevalence of disinformation on platforms people increasingly rely on for news creates a serious challenge for democratic processes worldwide,” noted UNESCO, which commissioned the study ahead of major global elections in 2024.

The concerns extend beyond general misinformation. A striking 87% of respondents expressed worry about disinformation’s potential impact on upcoming elections in their countries, with 47% describing themselves as “very concerned.” Among politically engaged citizens, this concern rises to 63%.

Hate speech represents another significant online challenge, with 67% of internet users reporting encounters with such content. Facebook was identified as the platform where hate speech is most prevalent (58%), followed by TikTok (30%), X (formerly Twitter) at 18%, and Instagram (15%). The survey indicates that LGBTQ+ individuals (33%) and ethnic or racial minorities are perceived as the primary targets of online hate speech, though patterns vary significantly by country.

In response to these challenges, internet users strongly support intervention from multiple stakeholders. Nearly 90% believe both government regulatory bodies and social media platforms themselves should address disinformation and hate speech. This sentiment is particularly strong during election periods, with 89% supporting government enforcement of trust and safety measures on platforms during campaigns.

The call for oversight extends to international organizations as well. Three-quarters of respondents believe entities like the United Nations and UNESCO should play a role in combating disinformation, with this figure reaching 83% in countries with medium to low HDI ratings.

Despite widespread concern about online disinformation, individual action remains limited. Only 48% of respondents reported having flagged misleading content related to election campaigns, with just 17% doing so regularly. Younger users (18-34) and politically engaged individuals are somewhat more proactive, with 55% having reported problematic content.

The study, conducted between August 22 and September 25, surveyed 8,000 internet users across 16 countries where national elections are scheduled for 2024. It underscores the complex challenges facing digital information ecosystems as social media platforms increasingly shape public discourse and political processes worldwide.