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Citizens ' Decreasing Trust In Media

Over the last few weeks, we have discussed production methods used to gain attention and evoke certain emotions when publishing political content and events. Those range from, visual images, visual text, music and sounds, and color. In addition to the production methods mentioned, there are also strategic advertising techniques also in place to get the same responses and outcomes as the production methods, stereotyping, association, demonization, and code words. With strategic advertising often comes negative emotions, associations, and connotations associated with those methods. Ultimately the attempt to manipulate its viewers is a major negative aspect of media, an aspect that viewers are becoming more and more aware of.

Furthermore, citizens are more aware of the lack of transparency of media when using the methods mentioned, ultimately contributing to society’s distrust of media. With all the major events happening in 2020, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, U.S presidential election, racial tension and division within our country, and many others, citizens were very active in keeping up with recent events. However, since 2021, not only has there been a decline in active audience of news and domestic events, citizens have become more distrustful of media as a whole. There are many factors that have played into the trending decline of trust in media. I have attached an article from CBC that goes into further detail of the reasons for distrust in media. They range from political polarization, less credibility, less transparency, spread of misinformation, journalists seen as “out of touch,” and trends in cable news (as well as polarization in cable news)

 The Capitol Hill is a specific example of an occurrence that also contributed to lessening trust of news and media of citizens. Many were saddened and disappointed by the events that took place at the capital, and with allegations the former President Trump supported and promoted such actions, citizens incredibly distrustful of those in leadership positions. Furthermore, many saw firsthand the negative consequences when mass numbers of citizens become misinformed by media and political figures, also increasing skeptically and distrust of media.

CBC Article

 



Comments

  1. HaileyApril 5, 2022 at 6:58 PM

    The difference between trust in media a couple decades ago compared to now is very apparent. The Trump Administration's rhetoric undoubtedly changed how a significant portion of the electorate approach the news media, especially on partisan lines. According to the Pew Research Center (https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/2019/12/12/trusting-the-news-media-in-the-trump-era/), those who distrusted journalists were overwhelmingly Republican. When asked whether journalists lacked ethics, only 6% of Democrats agreed, compared to the 31% of Republicans. It's hard to see how the divide between the Republican electorate and the media could be repaired.

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  2. Hayleigh HudginsApril 27, 2022 at 9:24 AM

    I am not surprised there is a lack of trust in the media and politicians. What I am surprised about is that people ever trusted them. There is no guarantee that anyone is telling you the truth especially in the world of politics. With money and power come corruption.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Citlalli S.April 27, 2022 at 9:30 AM

    To be honest, I cannot say I am surprised by such drop in engagement and trust. There is so much misinformation going around the media it can get exhausting trying to establish what it is the truth among all the existing lies. Further, the pandemic had such an impact on people's mental healths and livelihoods to the point where trying to keep up with all the bad and the ugly that comes with politics may begin affecting one's mental health further.

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About Me.....

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Melissa N
Hello everyone, my name is Melissa Clopein. I am a senior at Kennesaw State University, my major is Political Science with a minor in International Relations. In my free time I enjoy cooking, hiking, traveling, and learning as much as I can about different countries and their cultures. Ever since I was old enough to truly understand politics, I have been interested in international relations and politics. In addition, I have also been extremely interested in how media influences politics and the relationship between the two, which is a major reason I am taking this class. I intend to use this blog to focus on some important topics relating specifically to mass media and politics. I think an important topic to address is the common occurrence of biases in media, extremism from the left and the right, and how both sides contribute to political polarity in U.S citizens.