Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) has emerged as the leading news source in the world, surpassing legacy media outlets. Not long ago—depending on where you were and the extent of internet, social media, and smartphone penetration in your region—seeking information on current affairs or clarifying street rumors often required turning on that TV, tuning in to the radio, buying a local paper, or consulting a friend, neighbor, or workmate who had the opportunity to access TV, radio, or local papers.
Over time, these once-dominant news sources have gradually been overshadowed by social media, smartphones, and widespread internet use as people gravitate towards these modern platforms. Though one would say legacy media initially benefited from this shift—with their audiences listening to radio frequencies on phones, reading news on their websites, and even watching live news on TV Apps, and YouTube channels—social media platforms quietly expanded their influence. At first, they were largely seen as spaces for global connection until they became dependable sources for current affairs. How the rivalry began!
A short while ago, platforms like X, Facebook, and LinkedIn evolved into credible sources for clarifying a range of topics, from celebrity news to natural disasters. Social media’s reach and efficiency have given it a significant edge; for instance, users—in this case locals—can instantly report a wildfire long before legacy media reporters arrive on the scene. Similarly, if a false rumor circulates about the death of your favorite music artist, you are likely to check their official social media pages or browse trending topics to verify the truth—I bet you wouldn’t turn on the TV. This trend underscores X’s relevance as a source of timely information.
The rise of social media as a dominant news source can also be attributed to the bias and compromises that have plagued many corporate news media houses. Today, almost every institution and individual—from presidents and government bodies to schools, businesses, and private citizens—maintains a social media presence. Given this, it’s worth asking: where does news originate? While traditional media still holds value, the shift to social media as a primary source of news is undeniable.
Currently, X ranks #1 in the news category on the App Store, #2 in the social media category, and #6 on Wikipedia’s most visited websites in 2024, indicating a growing trust in the platform as a trusted source of news. Although reports such as the Reuters Institute Digital News Report suggest that TikTok has become a more significant source of news in some areas. It’s worth asking whether people truly rely on TikTok for verifying breaking news.
Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, now X, driven by goals like “saving free speech,” among other reasons, has significantly transformed the platform. While some may prefer Jack Dorsey’s former administration, X has undeniably grown into a more dynamic platform. Features like X’s Community Notes, initially launched in 2021 during Jack Dorsey’s tenure for U.S. users, have been expanded and improved under Musk and CEO Linda Yaccarino, making the platform even more reliable for news and fact-checking. Community Notes not only verify facts but also analyze tweets; for instance, a recent tweet from Kenyan President William Ruto congratulating Donald Trump on his electoral victory as the 47th U.S. President was flagged as AI-generated—something traditional media might overlook. Such features create a community-based environment where facts are checked even amid free speech, minimizing biased and sensationalist reporting often seen in traditional media driven by traffic and profits.
Despite potential downsides to free speech and rapid news dissemination, X is playing a transformative role in the news sector. In summary, X is increasingly becoming a reliable alternative to legacy media for accessing and verifying news. More will be written about this topic in depth.
