Study: Social networks become the main source of news in 2026

The year 2026 will mark a significant change in the way people obtain information, according to a report cited by AFP from Jim Egan. The study reveals that 54% of respondents used social media and video platforms for information in the last week, and this percentage rises to 56% when including tools based on artificial intelligence.

In comparison, television was used by 52% of participants, news websites by 51%, and radio by only 21%. Globally, 30% of people consider social media and video platforms as the main source of information, with a proportion of over 50% among young people aged 18-24.

The report highlights that users primarily access X and YouTube for news, while on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, contact with information is often accidental. Additionally, the use of artificial intelligence for information has increased, with 10% of respondents using such services weekly.

The report emphasizes the challenges that the rapid development of artificial intelligence poses to media leaders.