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Survey: Americans Overwhelmed by News, Demand Relevance

2/12/2026

27 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Pew Research Center survey finds many Americans feel overwhelmed by news.
About 50% believe news consumption has increased over the past decade.
Focus groups show fatigue and a desire for more relevant information, especially during 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ninety-four percent say verifying news accuracy matters, while trust in traditional news sources declines and political conversations wane.

History

Historical Context

The September 11 attacks in 2001 transformed American media consumption, significantly increasing news coverage and public engagement. By 2018, 20% of U.S. adults reported often getting news from social media, reflecting a shift from traditional outlets. This trend, coupled with declining trust in media, mirrors patterns seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting ongoing challenges in media credibility and information overload.

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Story summary

The Pew Research Center survey finds many Americans feel overwhelmed by news.
About 50% believe news consumption has increased over the past decade.
Focus groups show fatigue and a desire for more relevant information, especially during 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ninety-four percent say verifying news accuracy matters, while trust in traditional news sources declines and political conversations wane.

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