Pew Research: Trust in National News and Social Media Converges for Under-30 Adults at 51% and 50%

A recent study by the Pew Research Center reveals a significant shift in how younger Americans perceive news sources, with adults under 30 now placing nearly equal trust in national news organizations and social media platforms. The findings indicate that 51% of individuals under 30 express at least some trust in national news, a figure closely mirrored by the 50% who trust information from social media sites. This convergence highlights an evolving media consumption landscape, as noted by the Pew Research Center in a recent social media post.

The broader trend indicates a decline in trust for national news across the U.S. adult population. Overall, 56% of U.S. adults now report having at least some trust in information from national news organizations, marking an 11-percentage-point decrease since March 2025 and a 20-point drop since 2016. This erosion of confidence spans both major political parties and all age demographics, according to the Pew Research Center's survey conducted in September 2025.

For adults under 50, trust in national news media stands at 52%, a figure slightly lower than the overall adult population. This demographic's increasing reliance on social media for news is a key factor in the converging trust levels. Older age groups, in contrast, continue to show a stronger preference and higher trust in traditional national news outlets compared to social media.

Social media's role as a news source has expanded considerably, particularly among younger users. Platforms like TikTok, for instance, have seen a notable increase in news consumption, with 52% of its users regularly getting news from the site, up from 22% in 2020. This trend underscores the growing influence of digital and social platforms in shaping how younger generations access and interpret current events.

The near parity in trust between national news and social media for younger adults presents significant implications for the future of journalism and public discourse. As traditional news organizations grapple with declining trust and engagement, the rise of social media as an equally credible source for a crucial demographic poses challenges for accurate information dissemination and the combating of misinformation.