Search engines more important for political news than social media
Search engines are the most widely used platform for news (45%), followed by social media (41%) and video networks (30%). Messaging apps (15%) and generative AI (7%) are not widely used for news. Online news websites and apps (59%) and TV (57%) are still more widely used than any individual platform type, a Reuters Institute survey covering eight countries shows.
Most respondents – between 52% and 82% depending on the country – report getting their political news and information from platforms and online/offline news outlets, in part because platforms host content from news outlets, the survey shows.
Only a small minority of 10% or less rely exclusively on platforms or, more commonly, only on news outlets.
“People who use platforms for news and information about politics are more likely to also use online news from broadcast and print brands.”
“There are important differences between those who use platforms for news and information about politics and those who do not. Younger people, men, those with higher interest in politics, and those more comfortable with technology are all more likely to use platforms for this purpose. Differences by left/right political ideology are small.”
The survey shows that most people are sceptical of digital platforms as a source of news and information about politics. Just over one third trust video networks (37%), and just under one third trust messaging apps (31%).
Social media is trusted by 30% and generative AI by 27%. Search engines are an outlier, trusted by a slight majority (55%).
“Platforms tend to be more trusted as a source of political news and information by younger people and, to a lesser extent, men and those on the political right. These patterns can vary by country.”
A clear majorities think that platforms have made it easier to connect with friends and family (66%), find the information they need (63%), and connect with likeminded people (59%).
More than half think that platforms have made it easier for people to say things they wouldn’t say in person (69%), spread misinformation (69%), harass or threaten others (66%), or spread extreme viewpoints (64%).
Less than half typically think that platforms are systematically biased towards certain political views – but many people are uncertain.
On average across eight countries, more than one third of respondents feel that areas such as misinformation (39%), generative AI misuse (38%), and tech companies’ handling of personal data (36%) are getting too little attention from policymakers.
A majority in each country believe that platforms should take responsibility for showing false or misleading information posted by their users.
The eight countries are Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Spain, the UK, and the USA.
The report focuses on five platform types: social media, e.g. Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok; search engines, e.g. Google, Bing, and Yahoo!; video networks, e.g. YouTube, Vimeo, and Dailymotion; messaging apps, e.g. WhatsApp, WeChat, and Facebook Messenger; and generative AI chatbots, e.g. ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Perplexity.
The report is written by Dr Waqas Ejaz, Dr Richard Fletcher, Prof Rasmus Kleis Nielsen and Prof Shannon McGregor.
Moonshot News is an independent European news website for all IT, Media and Advertising professionals, powered by women and with a focus on driving the narrative for diversity, inclusion and gender equality in the industry.
Our mission is to provide top and unbiased information for all professionals and to make sure that women get their fair share of voice in the news and in the spotlight!
We produce original content, news articles, a curated calendar of industry events and a database of women IT, Media and Advertising associations.
