Full Breakdown
Americans Prefer Traditional News Sources Over AI for Breaking News
3/25/2026, 3:24:53 PM
Overview of Poll Findings
A recent Pew Research Center poll conducted from December 8 to 14, 2025, reveals that Americans largely disregard AI chatbots as a source for breaking news. The survey, which included a sample of 3,560 adults, indicates that only 1% of respondents turn to AI chatbots like ChatGPT or Gemini for breaking news, a figure that falls below the poll's margin of error of +/- 1.9 percentage points. In contrast, 36% of participants preferred their chosen news organization, 28% utilized search engines such as Google or Bing, and 19% relied on social media platforms for information.
Comparison with Previous Polls
The 2025 poll results were compared to a similar survey conducted from February 22 to March 4, 2018. In that earlier poll, 54% of respondents preferred their news organization, while only 15% used search engines and 9% turned to social media. This indicates a shift in news consumption habits over the past seven years, with a notable increase in the use of search engines and social media for breaking news.
Age Demographics and AI Usage
The Pew report highlights significant variations in news source preferences across different age groups. Younger Americans, particularly those aged 18-29 and 30-49, are more inclined to use search engines or social media, while older demographics tend to favor traditional news organizations. Specifically, only 2% of respondents aged 18-29 and 30-49 indicated a preference for AI chatbots, while those aged 50-64 and 65+ reported preferences of less than 1%.
Official Statements & Responses
Pew's report emphasizes that "relatively few Americans say they use AI chatbots for news in general." It notes that while those who search for breaking news may encounter AI-generated summaries, the overall disinterest in AI as a primary news source remains consistent across all age groups.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the growing presence of AI in various sectors, the poll results suggest a skepticism towards AI's role in news dissemination. Critics may argue that the low engagement with AI chatbots for news reflects broader concerns about the reliability and accuracy of AI-generated content, particularly in the context of breaking news where timeliness and trustworthiness are paramount.
Conclusion
The findings from the Pew Research Center poll underscore a clear preference among Americans for traditional news sources over AI chatbots for breaking news. As the media landscape continues to evolve, the persistent disinterest in AI as a primary news source raises questions about the future role of artificial intelligence in journalism and public information dissemination.
