Public Opinion and Institutional Trust in Europe: the contradictory role of the media in the digital age

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14195/2183-5462_46_5

Keywords:

institutional trust, traditional media, digital media, multilevel models, media literacy

Abstract

The aim of this article is to analyze the relationship between trust in the media - traditional and digital - and trust in institutions. Using data from the 2016 Eurobarometer, and through statistical models such as ACM, ACP and multilevel regression, the impacts of media use on institutional trust were examined, controlling for sociodemographic variables. The results confirm the hypothesis that trust in traditional media (print, radio and television) is positively associated with higher levels of trust in institutions. On the other hand, trust in digital media (social networks and online platforms) shows a significantly weaker correlation, and in some cases a negative one. This effect is amplified by the spread of disinformation and the creation of “information bubbles” in digital media, which contributes to the erosion of institutional trust. The study highlights the need to promote media literacy and strengthen the regulation of digital platforms to mitigate the negative impacts on institutional trust.

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Published

2025-05-27

How to Cite

Carvalho, H., Sousa, J. C., & Lapa, T. (2025). Public Opinion and Institutional Trust in Europe: the contradictory role of the media in the digital age. Media & Jornalismo, 25(46), e4605. https://doi.org/10.14195/2183-5462_46_5

Issue

Vol. 25 No. 46 (2025)

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Articles

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