Three key findings from the 2025 Digital News Report
The Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2025 reveals significant insights into the evolving landscape of news consumption worldwide. The report, based on YouGov data collected from nearly 100,000 individuals across 48 markets, offers a comprehensive analysis of news consumption trends.
1. Further movement to video and social platforms
One of the prominent findings of this year's report is the continued shift towards social media, video platforms, and online aggregators for news consumption. This trend is accompanied by a decline in engagement with traditional media such as print, TV, and online news sites. Notably, social media usage in the United States saw a significant increase, surpassing TV viewership for the first time, particularly following the inauguration of Donald Trump in January 2025.
2. Widespread fears about trustworthiness of news
The report highlights a growing concern among respondents regarding the authenticity of online news content, with more than half expressing doubts about distinguishing between true and false information. This skepticism is particularly pronounced in the United States and Africa, where social media usage is prevalent. However, trust-related apprehensions are comparatively lower in Western Europe. The data also indicates a divided opinion on the role of social media companies in filtering out potentially false or harmful content, with varying perspectives based on geography and political ideology.
3. Belief that AI will make news cheaper but less reliable
Consumers across various markets exhibit skepticism towards the integration of AI in news production, preferring human involvement in the editorial process. While there is optimism about AI's potential to reduce production costs and enhance timeliness, concerns are raised about its impact on transparency, accuracy, and trustworthiness. The report also explores the growing utilization of AI chatbots in news delivery, with notable adoption rates among younger demographics. ChatGPT, Google's Gemini, and Meta AI are among the prominent AI services mentioned for news delivery, indicating a shift towards AI-driven content dissemination.
For more detailed insights, refer to the full report.
