YouTube’s New AI Search Carousel Is Changing How We Discover Videos — Here’s What You Need to Know You know that moment when you type something like “best cafés in Paris” into YouTube, and you’re buried under a flood of random vlogs, listicles, and unrelated reviews? Yeah, we’ve all been there. But that chaotic hunt for the right video might soon be a thing of the past. YouTube just rolled out an AI-powered search carousel — and it’s not just another shiny feature. It’s a smart, intuitive, and (honestly) much-needed step forward that could completely change how we search for and interact with video content. Let me break it down — not like a press release, but like someone who geeks out about this stuff and actually uses YouTube every day. --- What Is YouTube’s AI Search Carousel? In simple terms: YouTube now shows an AI-generated video carousel when you search for things like: Travel recommendations Local activities and attractions Shopping inspirati...
Everyone’s Getting Their News from Social Media Now—And Honestly, I’m Not Sure How to Feel About It
Let me ask you something.
When was the last time you sat down to watch the news on TV? Or opened a proper news app just to catch up on headlines?
If you're like most people in the U.S., chances are your answer is… “uh, not lately.”
And you’re not alone.
A new report from the Reuters Institute just confirmed what many of us already feel: social media is now the main source of news in America. More people are getting their news from platforms like Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) than from traditional TV or even news websites.
It’s kind of wild. And also kind of not surprising.
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News Doesn’t Feel Like News Anymore
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself catching up on world events while scrolling. Maybe it’s a quick headline sandwiched between a meme and a dog video. Maybe it’s a TikTok explainer that’s more entertaining than CNN ever was.
And let’s be real—it’s easy, it’s fast, and it fits into our lives.
According to the report, 54% of Americans now get news from social and video platforms. TV sits at 50%, and news apps or websites come in at 48%.
So yeah—your feed is your new front page.
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The Rise of the “News Personality” Era
What’s also interesting (and maybe a little unsettling) is how news has shifted from reporters to personalities.
People like Joe Rogan are reaching millions with news-related commentary. In fact, nearly a quarter of Americans said they came across content from him in just one week.
Think about that.
Not a reporter. Not a newsroom.
A podcaster.
That’s not necessarily bad—but it does mean we’re getting more news through opinions and personal takes than traditional journalism. And that changes the game.
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What We’re Gaining… and What We’re Losing
There’s something really cool about this shift. News feels more personal. More human. We’re hearing different voices, not just the same anchors in suits reading off teleprompters.
But here’s where it gets tricky.
Influencers aren’t journalists.
They don’t have to fact-check. They don’t have editors. And they’re not always held accountable when they get something wrong.
The report actually points this out—nearly half of people worldwide say influencers and politicians are major sources of false or misleading information.
We’re connecting more, sure. But are we understanding better?
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Politicians Are Skipping the Hard Questions
Another trend the report mentions is how some politicians are now avoiding traditional interviews altogether. Instead, they go on friendly podcasts or livestreams with creators who won’t challenge them.
And honestly? That’s a little scary.
It means we’re losing the tough conversations—the ones where leaders are held accountable or asked hard but necessary questions.
Because when the people in power only talk to people who already agree with them… how do the rest of us get the full picture?
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Gen Z and the Future of News
The youngest generation—under 25—is driving a lot of these changes. TikTok is the fastest-growing news platform globally, and AI chatbots are becoming their go-to for quick updates.
But even then, most people (young and old) say they’re not sure they actually trust the info they’re getting this way. Especially when AI or influencers are involved.
So we’re seeing this weird thing where we use these tools more, but trust them less.
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So, Where Does That Leave Us?
I don’t think this is about choosing sides—TV or TikTok, old school or new school.
It’s really about being aware of what’s happening.
Because the way we get news affects how we see the world. How we make decisions. Who we vote for. What we believe.
And now, more than ever, we need to be paying attention to where our information is coming from—and who’s shaping it.
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My Take? News Isn’t Dying. It’s Evolving.
This isn’t the end of journalism. But it is the start of a new kind of media world.
One where we, as everyday users, carry way more responsibility.
We have to think critically, check sources, and—sometimes—slow down enough to ask: Is this true? Is this helpful? Is this real?
Because even in a world of endless information, what we choose to believe still matters.
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More Americans now get their news from social media than from TV or websites. But is this shift helping us—or just making it harder to tell what’s real? A personal reflection on the changing shape of news and what it means for all of us.
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