In Brief: Social Media Becomes Top News Source; Workers Crave Human Connection in AI era

More people now cite social media as their daily source of news, the “Reuters Institute 2026 Digital News Report” finds.

A Reuters Institute survey of more than 85,000 respondents found social media platforms overtaking the websites of TV news and other news organizations for overall news distribution. In many parts of the world, online creators are rising as key news sources.

But social media is led by algorithms, which social media companies can manipulate. Another problem the shift in people’s news-consumption habits poses is that online creators are often motivated by outside sponsorships and audience engagement, not by accuracy. Algorithms and content creators can spread misinformation or distort news to grab attention.

In the survey, all age groups reported relying more on social media apps for news content, as opposed to other online news sources. 

AI chatbots are also ascending as news sources. More people now accept what AI chatbots tell them as true, without verifying the information.

In AI Era, Workers Crave Human Connection, Report Finds

In the age of artificial intelligence, people still prefer working with other people, new research from Hilton finds. 

Workers in different industries say human factors boost their productivity and satisfaction. Working together in a physical office fuels trust, belonging and innovation, the report found. 

“As work becomes more digital and AI reshapes the workplace, people still want the same fundamental things: connection, trust and a sense that they matter,” said Laura Fuentes, Hilton’s chief human resources officer. “The companies that create that kind of culture will be the ones that attract talent, retain teams and outperform over time.”

The report says a new kind of leader is emerging in workplaces, a role that it calls a “chief host officer.” The best leaders now operate in “host mode” and create environments that allow people to thrive “through presence, attention and genuine care.”

In a survey, 92% of respondents said a good relationship with their manager is crucial to their happiness at work.

Is AI the New Audience for Press Releases?

Press releases are now being cited by AI answer engines within hours of being distributed, an analysis from news release distributor Notified finds. 

According to the report, press releases are no longer just media announcements, and have become sources for the information people find through AI answer engines. In the analysis of 8,000 press releases distributed by Notified’s GlobeNewswire service, nearly all (99.3%) were cited by either Claude or ChatGPT. 

Artificial intelligence models appear to favor fresh sources of information. The report found that 17% of all AI citations occurred within the first 24 hours after a press release was distributed. Just 5% of releases had no citations after the first five days. 

Other key findings:

• The average time for AI to cite a new press release is eight hours.
• Releases that AI picks up within 24 hours average 15 times more citations over 30 days.
• Well-structured press releases generate nearly three times more AI citations on average.
• AI systems reward clarity. 

Americans Say News Is Important, But Aren’t Well Informed Themselves

Most American adults say it’s important for people to keep up with news on topics such as the health care system (82%), voting and election processes (82%), and presidential powers (80%). But far fewer say they’re well informed on those topics themselves, Pew Research Center finds.

In an early 2026 survey, three-quarters of respondents said it’s “extremely” or “very” important to stay informed about economic and tax policies, but just 24% felt “highly” informed on those matters. Another 51% said they’re “somewhat” informed about economic and tax policies, while 24% were “not at all” informed. 

Older adults are more likely than younger Americans to say it’s important for people to be informed on such topics — and to be informed on those topics themselves. Older adults are also more likely to say it’s their civic duty to receive news on a regular basis. 

Social media is a more common source of information for young adults than for older Americans, Pew found.