The rise of social media platforms has shaken up how people consume media, changing the channels used and the time spent on social media platforms. For many people social media isn’t just for fun, it’s also a primary source of news.
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More and more people prefer reading their news online rather than buying a newspaper. Social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook have become popular places to get news quickly. News companies like BBC and Metro even use TikTok to share content, which can be trustworthy.
With platforms like TikTok, the algorithm of the 'For You' page puts videos of interest right in front of you, making it hard to miss news about world events. This ease of access can trap you in a cycle of news consumption, even without knowing if the news is real or fake. Hearing about what's happening worldwide is now inevitable, especially since these topics are so popular and widely discussed.
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Additionally, most platforms allow anyone to post content, which means much of what you hear could be opinion rather than fact and that could cause a spread of misinformation.
Social media platforms aren't always reliable because anyone can post, making it easy for misinformation and fake news to spread. AI is growing, and people can use it to create fake photos, audios and videos, even of celebrities to spread misinformation.
While social media is easily accessible, cheap and allows you to discuss news with others, remember that not everything you see is real. With the rise of digital media, traditional newspapers are declining.
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According to The Media Angel, newspaper spending dropped by more than 10% between 2022 and 2023, and newspaper revenue fell from over £9.9 billion in 2005 to under £2 billion in 2022.
To stay informed, consider traditional newspapers, news websites, podcasts, and broadcast news on TV. It’s important to know where your news comes from and how much research was done to confirm its accuracy.
Understanding the difference between real news vs fake news can help navigate truth and checking the facts will ensure you will be up to date with the news and you are not believing fake news.
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Social media can be a great place for reading the news and hearing about what’s happening locally, but always be critical of what you see. In 2025, brands and news sources have a responsibility to ensure the news you are reading is from a trusted source.
