For many parents, newspapers were once the go-to source for breaking news. Today, teenagers can simply scroll through social media to see big headlines unfold. Once seen as a tool for connection, social media has taken on a role as a source for everything.

According to a 2022 survey by the World Press Institute, 51% of teenagers aged 14-18 get their news primarily from social media platforms, as opposed to traditional news broadcasts or websites. However, using social media as a primary news source often faces skepticism. If someone referenced an Instagram post as a reliable source during class, they’d likely be met with laughter, since social media platforms have a reputation for entertainment over credibility.

Despite these critiques, teenagers are drawn to social media for its immediacy and personalization. Unlike traditional news, social media offers news tailored to the user’s interests. A 2023 Pew Research Center study shows that while the audiences of traditional news media like newspapers and local TV stations are declining, platforms like podcasts and digital news sources are growing in popularity. The convenience of seeing the most pressing issues without having to seek out the information makes social media an accessible and efficient platform.

However, the features that make social media appealing also contribute to its shortcomings as a reliable news source. Algorithms prioritize engagement over accuracy, often displaying more misleading content to ensure users continue scrolling. In a 2023 USC study observing fake news in social media, 15% of habitual news sharers were responsible for the 30-40% of fake news spread online. Misinformation can spread rapidly on social media, unchecked by fact-checking processes that news outlets use. Initiatives such as Meta removing their third-party fact-checking program further exacerbate the issue.

Additionally, social media platforms rarely provide the depth or context needed to fully understand issues, as short-form content leaves users with surface-level information. In contrast, news organizations adhere to journalistic standards, including verifying sources, attempting to present balanced perspectives, and providing context. These values ensure that their audiences receive accurate coverage—something social media, with its emphasis on speed and entertainment, does not offer.

While news outlets aren’t flawless in presenting only factual information, it’s essential to recognize that all media sources, whether Instagram, TikTok, or traditional news broadcasts, can contain misinformation. Social media platforms may offer easy access to trending headlines, but verifying the information with other trustworthy news sources is important before sharing it.