Civilri 

Two thirds of Americans get news on social media, but most expect the 
news they find on social media to be largely inaccurate. 
 

Pew research center: “News use across social media platforms 2018” 

 
In fact, among those who consume news on social media, inaccuracy is 
their top concern.  

 
Pew research center: “News use across social media platforms 2018” 

 
So why do they keep coming back?  

Gutierrez, Songco-Aguas, Naidu : UW Amazon Catalyst 2019 Whitepaper 

Civilri 

 
They like the convenience and social interaction aspects even if they feel 
they haven’t necessarily improved understanding of current events. 

Pew research center: “News use across social media 

platforms 2018” 

 
 
Americans believe the news media have an important role in democracy 
but that the news media is failing to fulfill that role. 
 
⅔​ o
​ f Americans feel that ... 
● news organizations are being too sensational in order to attract 
readers. 
● there is too much bias in the reporting of news stories that are 
supposed to be objective. 
● the news media does not do a good job of separating fact from 
opinion. 
 
With the increase in information available today, most Americans find it 
harder to be well-informed rather than easier. 
 
 
Gallup/Knight: “American views: trust, media and democracy”, 2018

Gutierrez, Songco-Aguas, Naidu : UW Amazon Catalyst 2019 Whitepaper 

Civilri 

 
Gallup/Knight: “American views: trust, media and democracy”, 2018 

 
Americans find news aggregator sites to be particularly problematic. Most 
consider the story selection methods to be a major problem for our 
democracy, and don’t think they provide accurate and balanced news. 

Gutierrez, Songco-Aguas, Naidu : UW Amazon Catalyst 2019 Whitepaper 

Civilri 

 
Gallup/Knight: “American views: trust, media and democracy”, 2018  
 
What do Americans think should be done?  
 
Most don’t want government to step in, and instead see it as the 
responsibility of tech companies. 
 

 
Pew research center: “Americans Favor Protecting Information Freedoms Over Government Steps to Restrict False News Online”, 
2018  

Gutierrez, Songco-Aguas, Naidu : UW Amazon Catalyst 2019 Whitepaper