I don’t like news influencers. I know it may sound childish, a little bit jealous even, but it’s true. It’s becoming more and more difficult for me to get my mind around the idea that, nowadays, all you need is an iPhone and a ring light to become a massive outlet of information in social media. 

I remember there was a time when journalists were seen as gatekeepers of truth, holding power to account with meticulous fact-checking and years of professional training. Now, in the TikTok era, having enough confidence to say, “So basically…” to an audience of millions, seems to be sufficient, somehow.

This shift in how we consume news isn’t just an amusing trend, it’s a fundamental change in journalism as we know it. Influencers, often without any formal training in reporting, are now many people’s primary news source, if not the only one. 

According to the American Press Institute, younger audiences (enter millennials and GenZ’s) increasingly turn to social media platforms, like TikTok or Instagram for news, often trusting creators over traditional media outlets. And the worst part is, Who could blame them?

Take “traditional media” like The Daily Mail. Even as the biggest news account in TikTok, it’s still mainly known for its infamous and sensationalist headlines and a fast-and-loose relationship with accuracy. In addition to that, the very clear right-lining agenda often portrays news more subjectively than is necessary.

Now, imagine that style of reporting, but delivered by a charismatic TikToker with a perfectly curated aesthetic, neon lights, and shiny smile. Enter creators like Dylan Page, autoproclamed “News Daddy” who present complex global issues in bite-sized, digestible fastly editated videos.

The problem then resides in, what we do with that information. What are we left with after receiving tons of information in a lapse of 2 minutes (in the best-case scenario) Well, I believe there’s an easy answer, we do nothing.

It’s way too much information

This inaction comes from a severe case of infoxication,  the term we use for ‘an overload of information that hinders the ability to delve deeper into topics of interest’, Cambridge Dictionary. All of this often unverified or misleading information designed to go viral has a huge toll on how we process and select information. 

Can our brain tell the difference between an alarming call to action on the developing conflict in the Gaza Strip or 28 videos of AI-generated dancing cats? It should, but surprisingly, It doesn’t.

Now, It’s not that all influencers are intentionally deceptive; but it’s undeniably true that their primary goal is entertainment, not rigorous journalism.

The problem with news influencers

The profession isn’t just about talking to a camera, it requires understanding ethics, verifying sources, and recognizing bias. While traditional media certainly has its flaws (multiple agendas, corporate interests, political leanings), at least journalists are held to professional standards. TikTok creators? Not so much.

Objectivity in journalism is a myth, everyone has biases

With the definition of a journalist becoming increasingly blurry, what are we even to expect? Is it someone with a press badge, working for a recognized media outlet? Or is it the person with the best camera setup and the fastest internet connection to X? And if anyone can claim that ‘prestigious’ title, does it even still hold meaning?

Well, yes. Objectivity in journalism is a myth, everyone has biases. But that doesn’t mean we should undermine the importance of truth. Trained journalists, despite their imperfections, are still our best shot at getting information that isn’t purely designed for clicks and clout.

The future of news in the TikTok era

Social media isn’t going away, and neither are news influencers. But we, as consumers, need to be aware of the trade-offs. Do we want fast, engaging, and potentially misleading content, or do we value in-depth, well-researched reporting?

An iPhone and a ring light may have democratized information, but at what cost?

Author: Eduardo Guerra
Date: 06/03/2025

Feature Image: George Milton, Pexels

Man sharing content on social media, Freepik