
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, as conflicts rage across the globe and the U.S. presidential election looms just three weeks away, trust in mass media is plummeting to new lows. A recent Gallup survey reveals that only 31% of U.S. adults say they have a “great deal” or “fair amount” of trust in the media to report news fully, fairly, and accurately—a record low since the survey began in 1972.
Trust in Media Erodes Across All Age Groups
What’s even more telling is the drop in trust among younger generations. According to the survey, only 26% of Americans aged 18-29 and those aged 30-49 trust the media, hitting a historic low. Even older age groups, which have traditionally shown more faith in news outlets, have seen significant drops in confidence.
The Rise of “Fake News” and Its Impact
The media’s credibility took a sharp downturn in 2016, the year Oxford Dictionaries named “post-truth” as the word of the year, referring to situations where emotional appeals and personal beliefs outweighed facts. Since then, terms like “fake news” have become part of everyday conversation, contributing to widespread skepticism across all demographics.
A Growing Distrust
The Gallup survey also highlighted the broader scope of distrust: 33% of respondents reported having “not very much” trust in the media, while 36% said they had no trust at all. These figures reflect growing frustration with traditional news sources such as newspapers and television. Many Americans are increasingly turning to alternative news sources, which may further contribute to polarization and the spread of misinformation.
What’s Next for Journalism?
With trust in the media at an all-time low, the future of journalism faces significant challenges. Younger audiences, in particular, are becoming more skeptical of mainstream news. As the media landscape continues to shift, rebuilding trust may depend on increased transparency, accountability, and a renewed focus on delivering fact-based, unbiased reporting.
In a world where information is more accessible than ever, it’s becoming increasingly important for news consumers to critically evaluate their sources. Whether the media can regain the trust of the public remains to be seen, but the stakes have never been higher.
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finally… some hope for change
Rachel Maddow’s head. All we ever see is her torso and head. She needs to get out more.