A third of consumers get news from social media

However, according to 360 View: Digital Media & Connected Consumers, despite this increased reliance on social media sources for news, the majority ( 52%) of broadband consumers feel that television is more authentic than online video. 

This figure is skewed by older consumers: nearly 30% of those aged 18-24 believe online video is more authentic than television. This age group watches content from video sharing sites an average of 13 days per month, compared with 10 days per month among 25-34 year-olds and just seven days per month for consumers in the 35-44 age group. 

The report also revealed that 29% of consumers would rather watch a live stream of an event than attend the event itself, and that a third of 18-24 year-olds share deeper connections with online video personalities than with TV personalities. 

“The next generation is embracing online media, and a media status quo will all but guarantee eyeballs shift away from the television,” said Glenn Hower, senior analyst at Parks Associates.