Where Do Americans Turn First for Breaking News?

A growing share of Americans are turning away from traditional news outlets as their first stop during breaking news events, according to a 2025 survey from the Pew Research Center.

The survey found that 36% of U.S. adults now go first to a preferred news organization for updates, down sharply from 54% in 2018. Meanwhile, reliance on search engines has nearly doubled to 28%, and 19% of Americans now turn first to social media, both significant increases over the past several years.

Only small shares of respondents reported using other sources: 5% said they ask friends or family, while just 1% turn to AI chatbots such as ChatGPT for breaking news. Another 5% said they use other sources or do not seek additional information at all.

The data highlights a sharp generational divide. Adults 65 and older are about four times more likely than those ages 18 to 29 to rely on traditional news organizations first (59% vs. 14%). In contrast, younger adults are far more likely to turn to digital platforms, with 31% of those under 30 choosing social media as their primary source for breaking news, compared to just 6% of older Americans.

This shift reflects broader changes in media consumption habits. Among adults ages 18 to 29, 76% say they get news from social media at least occasionally, compared to 28% of those 65 and older. Younger audiences are also more likely to trust information from social platforms, with trust levels now roughly equal to those for national news organizations among that age group.

The findings underscore how the evolving media landscape—shaped by digital platforms, search tools, and emerging technologies—is reshaping how Americans access and evaluate news in real time.