by by: Olivia Ragsdale
Can you think of the last time you turned on the TV and watched the news? Yeah, I can’t either, and most of Gen Z can relate. We’re not tuning in; we’re scrolling in. Research confirms that more than half of TikTok users regularly get news on the platform, and social media networks are on the rise as one of America’s primary news sources. So why are people my age ditching traditional news outlets? What are we getting out of this change, and what should we be worried about?
The Numbers Don’t Lie: The Social Media Take Over
The data confirms what many of us already knew. With 82% of Gen Z on TikTok, it’s no surprise that more than half of users regularly get news on the platform. Social media and video networks now serve as a main news source for 54% of Americans, officially surpassing traditional TV news at 50% and news websites and apps at 48%. This represents a massive shift in how younger generations consume information, and it’s happening faster than anyone expected.
The Appeal of Personality-Driven News
So why are people my age flocking to social media for news? It’s the rise of personality-driven news. Instead of faceless news anchors reading scripts, we’re drawn to personalities who feel relatable and authentic. We connect with their style, perspective, and delivery. Studies examining news consumption habits among younger demographics reveal that people aged 16 to 40 increasingly prefer digital platforms for their accessibility and customization. We want news on our terms: when we want it and how we want it.
The Dark Side: Misinformation of Influencers
However, this shift comes with serious concerns. Recent findings show that online influencers and personalities were named as a major source of false or misleading information by almost half of people worldwide, putting them on par with politicians. While personality-driven news feels more engaging, it requires us to be more vigilant about fact-checking and source verification. Just because someone has a million followers doesn’t mean they’re reporting accurately.
Real-Time News Requires Real-Time Thinking
TikTok offers immediate uploads. Anyone can film an event as it happens and share it instantly with millions. This real-time nature is powerful, but it’s also why critical thinking becomes essential. TikTok is a public platform, anyone can post content and label it as “news.” While major news stations do post their stories on TikTok, there are also independent journalists and credible creators producing quality content. The key is knowing how to identify trustworthy sources.
Why It Works for Me (and Maybe You Too)
For me, TikTok news works because it’s convenient, offers diverse perspectives, and creates connection. Unlike sitting passively in front of a TV, I can engage with content by commenting and reading other perspectives in real time.
So, Where Do You Get Your News?
I get mine from TikTok. It feels less intimidating than an hour-long broadcast and I value having access to hundreds of stories right at my fingertips. But I also recognize my responsibility to question what I see and verify sources. The news shouldn’t scare us away; it should invite us in. For younger generations, TikTok does exactly that, but only if we approach it with caution and critical thinking.
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References:
American Press Institute. (n.d.). The news consumption habits of 16 to 40 year olds. https://americanpressinstitute.org/the-news-consumption-habits-of-16-to-40-year-olds/
BBC News. (2025, June 12). Social media overtakes TV as main US news source. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c93lzyxkklpo
Pew Research Center. (2025, September 25). 1 in 5 Americans now regularly get news on TikTok, up sharply from 2020. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/09/25/1-in-5-americans-now-regularly-get-news-on-tiktok-up-sharply-from-2020/
Lua, A. (2025, September 18). TikTok statistics for 2025. Sprout Social. https://sproutsocial.com/insights/tiktok-stats/
Hi Olivia, your blog does a great job showing how TikTok has changed the way young people get their news. I like how you explain both the benefits and dangers of using social media for news, especially how you encourage readers to think critically about what they see online.
Great work Olivia, I really liked your blog post. I think you did a good job of bringing up the potential for misinformation, but also the appeal of news that is personal. I’ve never really thought about it that way. I’m not sure why it’s such a big thing for our generation, but it’s so interesting how we always check comments to see what other people are saying.
Hi Olivia! I really like your post! It really captures how our generation consumes news differently. I appreciate how you balanced the appeal of personality-driven content with the real concerns about misinformation. The stats make it clear this is a major shift, not just a trend. Your point about needing critical thinking for real-time news is so important. Great job!