More people get news from AI chatbots, but trust remains low

Reuters Institute's Digital News Report 2026 reveals that AI chatbots are increasingly being used for news, with weekly usage rising from 7 to 10 percent globally. The growth is mostly driven by markets in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Southern and Eastern Europe, with younger and more engaged audiences leading the way.

Among 18- to 24-year-olds, 17 percent use chatbots for news, compared to just 5 percent in the oldest age group. The 25-to-34 bracket saw the strongest relative growth, jumping 4 percentage points. Usage among self-described "news lovers" hits 18 percent, well above the 7 percent among casual consumers. People with extreme political views also use AI chatbots for news more often: 16 percent on the far left and 15 percent on the far right.

The report's author, Dr. Amy Ross Arguedas, notes that these groups tend to be more interested in news, which may explain their higher usage of chatbots. Across the 45 markets surveyed, asking follow-up questions is the top use case at 42 percent, followed by getting current news, summaries, checking the reliability of news sources, and simplifying news.

In markets with low press freedom scores, such as Hong Kong and Turkey, and in markets where trust in news is low, like Hungary and Romania, using chatbots to check source reliability ranks especially high. This suggests that users in these markets are seeking alternative ways to verify the accuracy of news, potentially due to concerns about censorship or bias.

Globally, 42 percent of users say they want more depth or explanation from chatbots, while 39 percent say AI is faster than other ways of getting news. However, trust in news from AI chatbots remains low, with only 20 percent of the general population trusting AI-generated news. Among chatbot users, however, 44 percent trust AI-generated news, compared to only 17 percent of non-users.

The report highlights a strong link between trust and usage, with users of chatbots for news more likely to trust the information they receive. This is in contrast to social media, where trust in news is often lower despite higher usage. The study attributes this to the fact that using chatbots for news is a more deliberate choice than the often passive way people stumble across news on social media.

The implications of this trend are significant, particularly for publishers and journalists. As chatbots become more prevalent, there is a risk that they could deepen polarization by confirming users' pre-existing biases. The fact that usage runs above average among people on the political fringes makes this especially dangerous. Furthermore, chatbots can misrepresent source material, which can lead to the spread of misinformation.

The report's recommendation for publishers is to focus on what chatbots can't deliver: original reporting and journalistic credibility. By prioritizing high-quality, in-depth reporting, publishers can differentiate themselves from chatbots and provide value to readers. This approach is particularly important in markets where trust in news is low, as it can help to rebuild credibility and provide a counterbalance to the potential biases of chatbots.

In conclusion, the Reuters Institute's Digital News Report 2026 highlights the growing importance of chatbots in the news ecosystem. While trust in chatbot news remains low, the trend towards increased usage is undeniable. As the media landscape continues to evolve, it is essential for publishers and journalists to understand the implications of this trend and adapt their strategies to meet the changing needs of their audiences. By prioritizing original reporting and journalistic credibility, publishers can ensure that they remain relevant and trusted sources of news in a world where chatbots are increasingly prevalent.