The study, which was conducted in partnership with the University of Toronto, found that 72% of Canadians now use social media to get news, up from 63% in 2018. This makes social media the most popular source of news for Canadians, ahead of traditional sources like newspapers (58%) and television (57%).
The study also found that Canadians are increasingly using social media to share news with others. In the past year, 63% of Canadians have shared a news story on social media, up from 55% in 2018.
This shift in how Canadians get the news has a number of implications for journalism and democracy.
- Social media is changing the way that news is produced and disseminated. In the past, news was largely produced by traditional media organizations, like newspapers and television stations. These organizations had a monopoly on the production and distribution of news. However, with the rise of social media, anyone with a smartphone can now produce and share news. This has led to a more decentralized and democratized news landscape, with a greater diversity of voices and opinions being heard.
- Social media is changing the way that people consume news. In the past, people would typically get their news from a few trusted sources, like their local newspaper or television station. However, with the rise of social media, people are now able to get news from a much wider variety of sources. This has led to a more personalized and fragmented news experience, with people being more likely to see news stories that align with their own interests and beliefs.
- Social media is changing the way that people interact with news. In the past, people would typically consume news passively, by reading a newspaper or watching a television newscast. However, with the rise of social media, people are now able to interact with news stories in a more active way, by sharing them with others, commenting on them, and debating them. This has led to a more engaged and participatory news experience, with people being more likely to feel like they have a say in how news is produced and disseminated.
The rise of social media is having a significant impact on how Canadians get the news. This has a number of implications for journalism and democracy, and it is important to understand these changes in order to ensure that Canadians continue to have access to accurate and reliable news and information.
