A recent study by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism has shed light on the growing role of artificial intelligence in news consumption. The study, titled "Generative AI and News Report 2026: From standalone tools to information infrastructure," reveals that AI is no longer just a tool for writing, translating, or summarizing content, but is becoming a new infrastructure for information. This shift is significant, as it changes not only how news is produced but also how it is discovered, manipulated, and consumed.
The use of generative AI has seen a remarkable increase over the past few years. In six countries - Argentina, Denmark, France, Japan, the UK, and the US - 51% of people now use generative AI at least once a week, up from 34% in 2025. Daily usage has also surged, rising from 7% in 2024 to 16% in 2025 and 28% in 2026. ChatGPT remains the market leader, with its weekly usage increasing from 22% to 34% in the same period. However, other AI tools like Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot are also gaining traction.
One of the most significant changes is that AI is no longer just a destination but an environment. In nine countries studied, 57% of people reported encountering AI-generated responses or summaries in search engines like Google or Bing in the previous week. AI is also appearing on smartphones, computers, social media, and messaging apps. This shift is driven by the convenience and speed of AI, with 64% of users appreciating the rapid response times and 56% valuing the ability to interact with AI in natural language.
The primary use of AI is now for searching information, with 38% of people in the six countries using AI for this purpose in 2026, up from 11% in 2024. Users are seeking information on various topics, asking for advice, and requesting summaries or recommendations. While trust in AI is not yet absolute, with only 21% of users believing it provides more reliable information, its convenience and speed are major draws.
However, this shift towards AI poses a significant challenge for media outlets. As users increasingly rely on AI for information, they are less likely to click on articles, which can lead to a loss of visibility, audience engagement, and ultimately, revenue. The study notes that the use of AI specifically for accessing news has risen from 3% to 9% in 2026 in the six countries studied.
The study's findings have implications for media professionals, regulators, and platform providers. Journalists, editors, and fact-checkers are grappling with the reality of AI transforming the news landscape. The Reuters Institute's research suggests that AI is not replacing traditional media but is changing how people interact with news. This shift requires media outlets to adapt and find new ways to engage with their audiences.
As AI continues to evolve, it is essential to understand its impact on the media landscape. The study highlights the need for ongoing research into the role of AI in news consumption and production. By examining the trends and challenges presented by AI, media professionals and policymakers can work together to ensure that the benefits of AI are realized while minimizing its risks.
Key points
- The use of generative AI for news consumption has increased significantly, with 51% of people in six countries using it at least once a week.
- AI is changing how people access and interact with news, posing both opportunities and challenges for media outlets.
- The convenience and speed of AI are major draws for users, but trust in AI is not yet absolute.
