In recent years, the rise of social and video platforms like TikTok and Instagram has transformed the news landscape, giving a voice to a diverse range of online influencers and alternative news creators. Unlike traditional media, which often leads conversation on platforms like Facebook and X, these newer networks have allowed alternative voices to gain significant traction, particularly among younger audiences.
Here are some key highlights
- The survey conducted across the United States, United Kingdom, France, Argentina, and Brazil reveals a growing interest in alternative news sources. In the U.S., figures like Tucker Carlson and Joe Rogan dominate the conversation, often offering partisan commentary rather than traditional news reporting.
- Younger users are increasingly turning to influencers for news updates, often expanding the definition of “news” to include cultural and lifestyle topics. This trend is particularly evident in France, where Hugo Travers (Hugo Décrypte) has emerged as a leading source for young audiences.
- In the UK, traditional outlets like the BBC still maintain a strong presence, especially on platforms like X and Facebook, but face stiff competition from youth-oriented creators on TikTok and Instagram. Personalities such as James O’Brien and Piers Morgan illustrate how mainstream journalists are adapting to new formats.
- Countries like Argentina and Brazil highlight the polarization of political opinions in online spaces. Influencers from across the political spectrum, including popular figures like Javier Milei and Alexandre Garcia, engage with their audiences directly, often bypassing traditional media scrutiny.
- The inclusion of celebrities in the conversation complicates the landscape, as figures like Lionel Messi and Taylor Swift draw massive followings but rarely engage with political topics directly. This indicates a broader interpretation of what constitutes news for many younger users.
Read the full chapter by Nic Newman here
