Navigating News in the Digital Age: Are Influencers the Trustworthy Source We Need? | Insights from TikTok and Beyond

Today on The Stream: Examining the Trustworthiness of Influencers vs. Traditional Journalists

In a digital age where platforms dominate and traditional news outlets are losing their grip, especially among Gen Z, many are turning to social media for their news consumption. This episode delves into the emerging role of content creators as credible sources of information. We’ll discuss how governments and organizations are leveraging this trend for soft power, raising questions about whether audiences are genuinely informed or simply being swayed. What, then, remains of the journalism profession in this shifting media landscape?

Host: Stefanie Dekker
Featured Guests:

  • Sophia Smith Galer – Acclaimed digital journalist and author
  • Gina L Divittorio – Writer and comedian
  • Yayu Feng – Assistant Professor at the University of St. Thomas

Join us as we unpack these pressing questions in the USA, 2025, and navigate the complex relationships between trust, influence, and information.