How to use social media to stay informed about current events or news

In a world where social media is both a news source and a noise machine, staying accurately informed has never been more challenging — or more essential. This article gathers expert insights on how to cut through the clutter, identify trustworthy sources, and engage with content that truly matters. Explore practical tips for using social media to stay up to date without falling prey to misinformation.

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  • Curate Reliable Sources
  • Follow Industry Experts
  • Use Twitter and LinkedIn
  • Engage With Local News
  • Create Focused Twitter Lists
  • Prioritize Accuracy Over Speed
  • Question Everything You Read
  • Focus on Meaningful Discussions
  • Verify Through Direct Reports
  • Spot Trends Before Mainstream
  • Filter Out Speculation
  • Curate Aggressively
  • Check Discussions on Reddit
  • Cross-Check With Trusted Sources
  • Follow Reputable Media Outlets
  • Fact-Check When Consuming News
  • Leverage Social Media for News

Curate Reliable Sources

Social media is my go-to tool for staying informed, but filtering out misinformation and noise is critical. Early in my career, I relied on mainstream news sites alone, only to find that many stories lacked depth or were influenced by engagement-driven algorithms. That’s when I started curating Twitter Lists, AI-driven feeds, and expert communities to get a more accurate picture of breaking news and emerging trends.

One of the most reliable sources I follow is The Verge on Twitter (X). Their coverage of tech developments, AI, and cybersecurity provides well-researched insights without the clickbait. When the ChatGPT expansion made waves in early 2024, sensationalist headlines flooded social media. Many outlets exaggerated its capabilities, while others speculated about industry-wide disruption without facts. Instead of reacting to hype, I checked The Verge’s deep-dive analysis, cross-referenced OpenAI’s official updates, and followed discussions in tech communities. This approach helped me separate reality from speculation and stay ahead of meaningful industry shifts.

To make the most of social media for news, I follow a three-step strategy:

  1. Curate reliable sources – I use Twitter Lists for industry experts and tech journalists, ensuring I see relevant updates first.
  2. Cross-check and validate – Breaking news often lacks context, so I compare reports from The Verge, official press releases, and independent analysts before forming conclusions.
  3. Engage in expert discussions – Subreddits like r/Futurology and private forums help surface deeper insights beyond headlines.

This method keeps me informed without falling into misinformation traps. Social media moves fast, but by following reliable sources, validating facts, and engaging in expert discussions, I stay ahead of trends with confidence.

Ahmed Yousuf, Financial Author & SEO Expert Manager, CoinTime

Follow Industry Experts

Social media moves at a breakneck speed, but staying informed requires more than just scrolling headlines. I rely on LinkedIn for in-depth industry insights, where thought leaders and experts share real-world perspectives beyond the surface-level news cycle. Twitter is where I track breaking updates, but I filter the noise by curating lists of reliable sources. For international business and marketing trends, I also trust the Financial Times because its coverage cuts through the hype and delivers cold, hard facts. Social media is a tool, but it’s only as good as the sources you follow. I make a habit of cross-referencing information, because in a digital world full of opinions, the truth often sits between the lines.

Hugh Dixon, Marketing Manager, PSS International Removals

Use Twitter and LinkedIn

For the most up-to-date news, particularly in the transportation, travel, and high-end service sectors, I use Twitter (X) and LinkedIn as my go-to resources. While Twitter is excellent for getting live updates, LinkedIn offers analytical data and specialized knowledge from industry experts.

One source I trust is Skift (@skift on X), which reports on everything from business travel trends to aviation and hospitality updates. Their reporting allows me to be aware of influxes in demand surrounding luxury transportation, whether it’s spiking in high-end airport transfers during prominent sporting events or changes in travel behavior influenced by worldwide economic dynamics. Insights provided by Skift, for example, offer insight into the post-pandemic travel rebound and help us anticipate an increase in premium chauffeur service bookings, enabling us to scale operations at the right time.

News isn’t the only thing you consume on social media—engaging with industry experts, joining conversations, and pivoting strategies within the window of a trend are as much a part of it. That’s why I make sure to not just follow trusted sources but also interact with them to stay in the pipeline of news in the luxury transportation space.

Arsen Misakyan, CEO and Founder, LAXcar

Engage With Local News

Social media is a powerful tool for staying informed about local news and engaging with the community, but it’s essential to be intentional about the sources you follow. Look beyond viral posts and attention-grabbing headlines—and follow reputable local news sources, city government pages and community groups sharing “verified” updates. Twitter and Facebook are good real-time news outlets, but double-check information with trusted sources such as your city’s official website and NPR member stations, or local newspapers such as The Seattle Times or The Chicago Tribune. Also, follow local reporters who cover issues you care about—many of them actively post breaking news and enterprise stories on social media.

To be actively engaged, don’t just read the news—participate. Follow your local reporters on Twitter or Instagram, comment on city council updates and join neighborhood Facebook groups. If you live in Austin, for instance, following KUT News on Twitter ensures you won’t miss traffic, weather or local policies. Sign up for email newsletters from trusted sources such as Axios Local or Nextdoor’s neighborhood alerts so you don’t miss any key updates. The essential thing here is to be selective—don’t click on clickbait, fact-check what you’re about to share, and focus on news that directly impacts your daily life!

Matt Bowman, Founder, Thrive Local

Create Focused Twitter Lists

Twitter Lists have been essential to my news gathering process.

I’ve built a carefully selected list of journalists and analysts who cover tech and digital media.

Alex Kantrowitz, who writes Big Technology, is one of my most valued sources.

Just last month, his coverage of the OpenAI leadership changes gave me critical insights hours before the mainstream media caught up.

I’ve learned that following individual reporters works better than following media outlets.

When the Microsoft-Activision merger was happening, I got real-time updates from journalists on the ground at the courthouse, which helped me make quick decisions for my business.

My best tip is to keep your sources list small and focused.

I start each morning with a 15-minute scan of my curated feed, which gives me everything I need to know for the day ahead.

It’s about quality over quantity.

Vukasin Ilic, SEO Consultant & CEO, Digital Media Lab

Prioritize Accuracy Over Speed

Social media is the fastest way to track real-time news, but it’s full of noise. I filter my feeds to stay ahead of business trends, market shifts, and tech innovations that impact startups. Twitter is useful for breaking stories, but I take an extra step by following investigative journalists and analysts with a track record of accurate reporting. I also track Reddit’s r/technology and r/business, where insiders often share early insights.

Speed matters, but so does accuracy. A Bloomberg report once found that over 60% of viral financial news starts on social media before hitting traditional outlets, which is why fact-checking is part of my routine. Reuters is one of the most reliable sources I follow. They prioritize factual reporting over engagement-driven narratives, which is rare online. Their investigative pieces have influenced billion-dollar business decisions, and that level of credibility is essential in my field.

I always make sure to compare sources, track patterns, and use AI-driven tools like Feedly to scan multiple reports in one place. Staying informed isn’t about reacting fast. It’s about knowing which information to trust, understanding its impact, and using it to guide smarter business decisions.

Jon Morgan, CEO, Business and Finance Expert, Venture Smarter

Question Everything You Read

Social media is like drinking from a firehose—if you don’t control the flow, you’ll drown in misinformation.

I don’t rely on social media to find the truth—I use it to spot what’s trending, then verify what’s real. Platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn help me see breaking news in real time, but raw speed doesn’t equal accuracy. So instead of doomscrolling and letting the algorithm decide what’s important, I’ve curated a tight list of journalists, analysts, and industry experts who report with credibility, not just engagement bait.

One of my most trusted sources? NPR (@NPR). They focus on facts over frenzy, provide in-depth analysis, and aren’t driven by sensationalism. In an era where outrage spreads faster than truth, the smartest way to use social media is not just to read, but to question. When a big story hits, I check multiple sources before forming an opinion—because in today’s media landscape, the first take is rarely the best take.

Austin Benton, Marketing Consultant, Gotham Artists

Focus on Meaningful Discussions

I use social media to filter industry news in real-time. I’m highly selective about the sources I follow and rarely consume what the algorithm pushes my way blindly. I follow key industry voices in AI research, technology, and engineering.

I maintain a private X list of thought leaders who include researchers from OpenAI, Meta AI, and DeepMind. I also follow a small group of highly experienced independent analysts who share informative posts about the latest technological advancements. This helps me cut through the noise on social media and focus on meaningful discussions. I don’t spend time clicking on hype-driven/click-bait headlines.

One reliable source I follow religiously is Arxiv Sanity Preserver. The platform aggregates and ranks AI research papers, which allows me to track real AI breakthroughs before they hit mainstream media. I can quickly assess whether a new development is truly impactful by cross-referencing what is trending on Arxiv with expert commentary on social media.

Mitchell Cookson, Co-Founder, AI Tools

Verify Through Direct Reports

I use it as a real-time news feed, filtering through the noise to catch critical updates on gold prices, economic trends, and geopolitical events that could impact the metals market. Twitter, or X as it’s now called, is probably my go-to platform for immediate insights. I follow industry experts, financial analysts, and reputable news sources that provide sharp, data-driven takes rather than sensationalism.

One source I find consistently reliable is Bloomberg’s commodities coverage. Their reporting is in-depth, fast, and mostly backed by solid data. They don’t just throw headlines at you; they provide context, analysis, and expert opinions, which is key in making informed decisions. Whether it’s an interest rate decision from the Fed, a supply chain disruption in a major mining region, or a shift in central bank gold reserves, Bloomberg gives a level of detail that helps me separate the signal from the noise.

That said, social media is just a starting point. It’s a tool for quick information gathering, but I always verify through direct industry reports, market data, and conversations with trusted colleagues. In the gold business, staying informed isn’t just about consuming news—it’s about knowing which information actually matters and acting on it before the rest of the market catches up.

Brandon Thor, CEO, The Thor Metals Group

Spot Trends Before Mainstream

I use social media to stay in the loop by following a mix of industry-specific groups, forums, and independent creators who consistently share insightful, up-to-date information. One reliable source I follow is Property Update, an Australian property news outlet that shares trends and data that matter to both investors and home buyers. I also look to smaller property investment communities on Facebook and Reddit where people discuss the real-time impact of market changes.

Staying connected with these smaller, more niche groups gives me a pulse on what’s actually happening on the ground. I remember how these discussions helped me spot a trend in the commercial property sector well before the mainstream media caught on, allowing me to pivot my investments effectively. It’s this kind of direct, real-time information that keeps me ahead of the game.

Austin Rulfs, Founder, SME Business Investor, Property & Finance Specialist, Zanda Wealth

Filter Out Speculation

Reddit can be unpredictable, but certain finance and investment subreddits offer real-time discussions from both professionals and retail investors. I don’t take every post at face value, but I focus on those that provide solid sources, historical context, and data-backed insights. This approach often highlights market sentiment shifts before they hit mainstream media. During last year’s banking crisis, Reddit threads broke down events as they unfolded—sometimes faster and with more context than traditional news outlets.

One subreddit I check often is r/FinancialCareers, where professionals openly discuss hiring trends, salary shifts, and economic uncertainty. These discussions provide a clearer picture of how people on the ground are reacting to changes in the job market. Unlike polished press releases or corporate statements, these conversations reveal the practical side of industry trends. By filtering out speculation and focusing on thoughtful analysis, Reddit has become a useful, if unconventional, research tool.

Shane McEvoy, MD, Flycast Media

Curate Aggressively

For me, social media is like drinking from a firehose. Because there is endless content flying at you from every direction, and if you do not have a system, you are drowning in noise instead of staying informed. For me, the trick is to curate aggressively and consume intentionally. I am not just scrolling aimlessly. I am looking for patterns, insights, and discussions that actually matter to the business.

In the resale space, trends shift overnight. One minute a sneaker drop is the hottest thing on the market. The next minute, it is sitting unsold because demand dried up. That is why I rely on X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and Instagram more than any other platforms. They are fast, unfiltered, and full of real-time insights from industry insiders. The key is knowing who to follow and what to ignore. I keep a private list of resellers, market analysts, and trend spotters who cut through the noise and get straight to the signal. No fluff, no recycled headlines, just actionable insights.

Two people I follow closely are Andrew Kounouzvelis and Benjamin Kickz. Andrew is the co-owner of Heat Archive, a major resell store that thrives on knowing exactly where sneaker trends are going before the mainstream catches on. His buy-out videos and behind-the-scenes takes give a raw, unfiltered look at how sneaker reselling really works. Then there is Benjamin Kickz, who built his empire by supplying rare sneakers to celebrities before most people even knew resale was a business. When someone like him makes a move, it is worth paying attention to, because he has the connections and market instinct to stay ahead of the curve.

Ryan McDonald, COO, Resell Calendar

Check Discussions on Reddit

Reddit has been the best way to filter through news without the clickbait or agenda that comes with most media outlets. Instead of relying on one publication, I check discussions in topic-specific subreddits where people break down stories with added context and real-world expertise.

One subreddit that has been surprisingly useful is r/OutOfTheLoop. It is a community where users ask about trending news and get straightforward explanations without bias or unnecessary drama. This has been helpful for staying informed without getting overwhelmed by sensational headlines. The discussions also highlight different perspectives, making it easier to understand the bigger picture.

Sean Clancy, Managing Director, SEO Gold Coast

Cross-Check With Trusted Sources

I mainly rely on Twitter and LinkedIn. Twitter is great for real-time updates from tech leaders and journalists. LinkedIn helps filter out noise and focus on deeper insights from professionals.

One reliable source I always check is TechCrunch (@TechCrunch on Twitter). They cover everything from startups to major tech shifts, and their reporting is usually quick and accurate. For business and tech hiring trends, I also follow HBR (Harvard Business Review) on LinkedIn—they break down complex topics in a way that’s easy to apply.

Social media is full of noise, so I always cross-check major news with trusted sources before taking anything at face value.

Alina Samchenko, Content Manager, COO, Hire Developers Biz

Follow Reputable Media Outlets

I follow reputable media outlets on Twitter to stay informed about current events and news. I search for their posts on my timeline, visit their profiles, and check the news that I somehow missed. Sometimes, the media outlets go live on Twitter. I don’t miss their live events if I am free. One of the reliable sources that I follow is the Associated Press (AP). Besides giving authentic news, it’s unbiased. It states genuine facts with proof and shows the news from different angles. Even if it reports something incorrect, it’s quick to admit its errors and rectify them. Thanks to it, I don’t have to worry about getting fake news, which is too prevalent online.

Sabrina Cohen, Founder, Neroli Blume

Fact-Check When Consuming News

Social media has become one of the fastest ways to stay informed about current events and news. Platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Reddit provide real-time updates, while Instagram and YouTube offer more in-depth analysis through videos and discussions. Many news organizations use these platforms to share breaking news, and journalists often post firsthand updates. By following credible sources and verified accounts, it’s possible to get instant access to important developments across various industries.

However, with the speed of information comes the challenge of misinformation. Fact-checking is crucial when consuming news on social media. Cross-referencing multiple sources, checking timestamps, and verifying from official news websites help in filtering out false narratives. Engaging in discussions on LinkedIn or following expert-led forums on Reddit can also provide a deeper understanding of complex issues. Algorithms often push content based on engagement rather than credibility, so being selective about sources is necessary.

One reliable source I follow is Reuters. Known for its commitment to unbiased reporting, Reuters provides accurate and timely news on politics, business, technology, and global affairs. Their official accounts on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn ensure that updates are sourced directly from professional journalists. By combining such credible sources with social media discussions, it’s easier to stay informed without falling into the trap of misinformation.

Kumar Abhinav, Senior Link Building Analyst, Mavlers

Leverage Social Media for News

Social media has become a necessary source for getting information on events happening in the world, giving you instant access to up-to-the-minute updates and various perspectives. Platforms such as Twitter and LinkedIn are highly useful, as they enable me to track journalists, experts, and thought leaders who offer up-to-the-moment evolution and considerations.

The one source I always go to is The Associated Press (AP) on Twitter. That’s why AP’s rigorous, nonpartisan journalism is a cornerstone of what I read each day. Their skill at delivering concise yet accurate updates is particularly useful when I need to quickly wrap my head around complex issues. In a media landscape often filled with misinformation, AP’s integrity means I’m getting reliable information without unnecessary bias or sensationalism.

Because I read the spectrum of views—from establishment media to independent journalists—I can not only get a much more complete picture of an issue, I can contextualize it where I live. Doing so not only ensures that I have the latest information but also provides opportunities for critical review of the narratives and perspectives that have gripped the public discourse from day to day. Used strategically, social media is an invaluable tool for staying informed in a fast-paced news environment.

Sam Stone, Co-Host, Breaking Battlegrounds

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