The study, led by Richard Fletcher, research director at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism (RISJ), analyzed data from 46 countries over a decade. He and his colleagues found a strong link between declining trust in news and the rise in the use of social media as a primary source of news.

However, the researchers also note that this relationship is more complex than we think. In countries with high press freedom, people tend to lose trust in traditional news when these media outlets are suspected of being biased or dishonest.

Conversely, in countries with tight press control, people may turn to social media as an alternative source of information, potentially exposing themselves to a lot of misinformation and fake news, thereby losing trust in news in general.

In addition to social media use, research has also shown that certain groups tend to trust the news more, such as women, older people, and people without a college degree. However, this relationship is not always clear and can vary depending on the country and time.

The United States is a prime example of polarization in news trust. Americans tend to trust media outlets that align with their political views, leading to deep divisions in society.

While the research has provided some insight into the link between social media use and trust in news, there are still many questions that need to be answered. For example, researchers are investigating whether negative comments on social media affect users’ trust in these platforms.

Experts say the decline in trust in news is a serious problem that requires journalists, media platforms, and policymakers to find effective solutions. Increasing transparency, diversifying news sources, and building trust with audiences are important factors in restoring public trust in journalism.

Phan Anh