AI Chatbots as News Sources
A growing share of Americans are increasingly using artificial intelligence chatbots such as ChatGPT. However, these chatbots have not integrated into the daily news consumption habits of most people. According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, only about 10% of U.S. adults report accessing news from AI chatbots, with merely 2% doing so often and 7% sometimes. A significant majority, around 75%, never obtain news from these platforms.
Interestingly, less than 1% of Americans prefer to receive news from chatbots as opposed to traditional news sources. This finding underscores the limitations of AI systems in becoming primary news outlets.
Survey Methodology
The Pew Research Center’s findings stem from a survey conducted from August 18 to August 24, 2025, involving 5,153 adults randomly selected from the Center’s American Trends Panel. This recruitment ensures that nearly all U.S. adults had an equal chance of participating, aiming for a representative demographic spread across various factors such as gender, race, and political affiliation. The methodology also included both online and telephone surveys conducted by live interviewers.
Demographic Variations in News Consumption
When analyzing news consumption through AI chatbots, younger adults displayed higher engagement compared to older generations. Specifically, 12% of adults under 50 get news from chatbots at least sometimes, contrasted with 6% of those older than 50. However, younger users also reported more concerns regarding the accuracy of the information presented by these AI systems.
Perceptions of News Accuracy
Among users accessing news through AI chatbots, perceptions of news accuracy vary significantly. A third of these adults expressed that identifying factual content can be challenging, while about a quarter find it straightforward. However, the majority, 42%, remain uncertain about the reliability of the news they encounter.
Furthermore, nearly half (about 50%) of the adults using AI chatbots for news indicated they occasionally come across information they deem inaccurate. A troubling 16% admitted to frequently encountering such inaccuracies. Among various age groups, 59% of users aged 18 to 29 and 51% of those aged 30 to 49 often perceive inaccuracies in the news they receive from chatbots. In contrast, 43% of individuals aged 50 to 64 and 36% of seniors aged 65 and older reported similar concerns.
Concluding Observations
While there is increasing interaction with AI chatbots across the age spectrum, the apprehensions regarding news accuracy highlight a crucial area for improvement. The disconnection in news consumption habits emphasizes the need for further research and development to enhance the reliability of information provided by AI systems. As AI continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these platforms will influence the broader news landscape and what measures can be taken to bolster trust and engagement among users.