In today’s hyper-connected digital world, the lines between influence and information are more blurred than ever. Traditional journalists — once the undisputed gatekeepers of truth — now share the stage with social media influencers who, armed with millions of followers and a phone camera, shape public opinion in real time. So, in 2025, the question arises: Who holds more power — journalists or influencers?
For decades, journalists have been the watchdogs of democracy. Through structured reporting, fact-checking, and adherence to ethical codes, they’ve held the powerful accountable and informed the public. Journalism has been rooted in credibility, responsibility, and rigor.
But over time, trust in mainstream media has waned. Many accuse legacy outlets of bias, clickbait headlines, and corporate interests. The result? A vacuum that influencers were quick to fill.
Influencers operate differently. They're not bound by editorial policies or newsroom hierarchies. They connect emotionally, use informal language, and tailor content to resonate with specific communities. Whether it’s a reel about climate change or a TikTok breaking down budget news, influencers are increasingly becoming the “first source” of information for Gen Z and Millennials.
According to a Reuters Institute report, over 40% of people under 35 get their news primarily from social media — and not traditional outlets. For many, a creator’s breakdown of an issue is more trusted than a news anchor’s coverage.
The biggest concern is accountability. Influencers aren’t trained journalists. Their content can be opinion-heavy, emotionally charged, or outright misleading — and when misinformation spreads through a trusted personality, the consequences can be serious.
Journalists are held to account through public corrections, legal consequences, and editorial oversight. Influencers? Often, a quick Instagram story saying “I didn’t mean to offend anyone” is the only response — and by then, the damage is done.
Despite the risks, influencers have undeniably changed how people engage with information. A news article might inform, but an influencer’s passionate post on the same issue might mobilize an audience. Many influencers now even work with credible news outlets to amplify facts, campaigns, or causes.
This convergence suggests that neither influencers nor journalists can operate in isolation anymore. Journalists offer depth and credibility. Influencers bring relatability and reach. Together, they could build an ecosystem that educates and engages.
Influencers may have the reach, but journalists carry the responsibility.
To truly understand what’s happening in the world today, audiences must become more media-literate — learning to question sources, validate information, and engage critically with content, no matter where it comes from.
The future of public opinion may not belong to one or the other — but to a hybrid model where truth meets trust, and influence meets integrity.
The Traditional Role of Journalists
For decades, journalists have been the watchdogs of democracy. Through structured reporting, fact-checking, and adherence to ethical codes, they’ve held the powerful accountable and informed the public. Journalism has been rooted in credibility, responsibility, and rigor.
But over time, trust in mainstream media has waned. Many accuse legacy outlets of bias, clickbait headlines, and corporate interests. The result? A vacuum that influencers were quick to fill.
The Meteoric Rise of Influencers
Influencers operate differently. They're not bound by editorial policies or newsroom hierarchies. They connect emotionally, use informal language, and tailor content to resonate with specific communities. Whether it’s a reel about climate change or a TikTok breaking down budget news, influencers are increasingly becoming the “first source” of information for Gen Z and Millennials.
According to a Reuters Institute report, over 40% of people under 35 get their news primarily from social media — and not traditional outlets. For many, a creator’s breakdown of an issue is more trusted than a news anchor’s coverage.
But What Are the Risks?
The biggest concern is accountability. Influencers aren’t trained journalists. Their content can be opinion-heavy, emotionally charged, or outright misleading — and when misinformation spreads through a trusted personality, the consequences can be serious.
Journalists are held to account through public corrections, legal consequences, and editorial oversight. Influencers? Often, a quick Instagram story saying “I didn’t mean to offend anyone” is the only response — and by then, the damage is done.
A Changing Media Landscape
Despite the risks, influencers have undeniably changed how people engage with information. A news article might inform, but an influencer’s passionate post on the same issue might mobilize an audience. Many influencers now even work with credible news outlets to amplify facts, campaigns, or causes.
This convergence suggests that neither influencers nor journalists can operate in isolation anymore. Journalists offer depth and credibility. Influencers bring relatability and reach. Together, they could build an ecosystem that educates and engages.
Final Thoughts
Influencers may have the reach, but journalists carry the responsibility.
To truly understand what’s happening in the world today, audiences must become more media-literate — learning to question sources, validate information, and engage critically with content, no matter where it comes from.
The future of public opinion may not belong to one or the other — but to a hybrid model where truth meets trust, and influence meets integrity.
