Reuters Institute: Trust in News Stands at 38%, Social Media Distrust Doubles News Media
A recent Reuters Institute report sheds light on the complex landscape of trust in news and information sources. While online news consumption has grown, overall trust in news stands at 38%, with social media platforms facing significant distrust.
The survey reveals that 40% of respondents distrust social-media platforms, more than double the 18% who distrust news media. Trust in news organizations for COVID-19 information stands at 59%, outpacing trust in Google search (45%) and far surpassing trust in Facebook, Twitter, and messaging apps, which all scored below 30%.
Across surveyed countries, trust in media's COVID-19 coverage was consistently high, significantly higher than trust in social networks, video platforms, or messaging services. However, trust in news found in online search results and on social media has dipped, standing at 32% and 22% respectively this year.
Notably, 86% of newsroom journalists attribute the lack of trust in journalism to social-media platforms. Meanwhile, the Reuters Institute's annual report indicates that journalism's standing is relatively good compared to platform companies like Facebook, Twitter, and Google. The report raises the question of how journalism's future bargaining position might be strengthened if platforms continue to rely on its credibility.
Despite growth in online news consumption, trust in news remains a challenge. While news organizations fare better than social media platforms in trust rankings, both face declining trust in their online offerings. As platforms continue to borrow credibility from journalism, the Reuters Institute's report suggests that journalism's future bargaining position could be bolstered.
