Do Americans trust where they get their information?

The 21st century news consumer has many avenues to receive information: traditional news media (both national and local), social media, academia, personal connections, politicians, public opinion polls, industry trade publications, businesses, public figures, and more. The Harris Poll recently surveyed a representative sample of American adults to determine which are the most popular—and which are the most trusted. Here are a few key insights.

Most Americans report getting their information from national media outlets (52%), though social media and local media are nearly equally popular as an information source (51% each).

Roughly 2 in 5 American adults (41%) report receiving information from people they know personally, compared to the 12% each who get it from academia and politicians, followed by 11% each who report consuming public opinion polls and trade publications, 10% each who get information from companies and public figures. Four percent report using other information sources, and 6% are unsure where they get their information.

National media lead the pack in being used as a primary source of information.

A third (34%) of U.S. adults who use national media as an information source say it’s their primary source of information. Roughly 1 in 5 say the same local media (23%) and social media (21%), respectively.

While not as often mentioned as a source of information, 4 in 5 Americans (81%) view the personal connections they have as trustworthy in the information they provide. Much fewer believe social media to be trustworthy.

Personal connections are the most trusted information source of those provided in the survey, followed by:

• 76% who think academia and local media are trustworthy information sources
• 68% who think national media is trustworthy information sources
• 62% who think public opinion polls are trustworthy information sources
• 60% who think industry-specific media outlets are trustworthy information sources
• 54% who think companies are trustworthy information sources
• 44% who think social media is a trustworthy information source
• 40% who think non-political public figures (e.g. celebrities, activists) are trustworthy information sources
• 30% who think politicians are trustworthy information sources

This survey was conducted online in the United States by The Harris Poll from February 2, 2024 to February 5, 2024 among 1,079 U.S. adults, ages 18+. Figures were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions within the U.S. population. Respondents for this survey were selected from a pool of potential respondents who have agreed to participate in The Harris Poll’s online research. For additional information, please reach out to The Harris Poll.