Title: Trust in news accuracy on X and its impact on news seeking, democratic perceptions and political participation

Authors: Chang Sup Park; Daniel Thompson; Amanda Siew

Addresses: Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Oklahoma, 395 W. Lindsey Street, Norman, Oklahoma, 73019, USA ' Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Oklahoma, 395 W. Lindsey Street, Norman, Oklahoma, 73019, USA ' Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Oklahoma, 2057 W Lindsey St., Apt G, Norman, OK, 73069, USA

Abstract: Based on a survey of 2548 American adults conducted by Pew Research Center in 2021, this study finds that trust in the accuracy of news circulated on X (former Twitter) is positively correlated with following news sites on X, underscoring the crucial role of trust in news accuracy in shaping news-seeking behaviour. Trust in news accuracy also positively relates to political participation via X. Those who trust in news accuracy are more likely to perceive X as an effective tool for raising public awareness about political and social issues, as well as a positive force for democracy. However, exposure to misinformation weakens the connection between trust in news accuracy and users' perception about X as an effective tool for raising public awareness about political or social issues and as a positive driver for democracy.

Keywords: trust in news accuracy; social media; misinformation; news seeking; political participation; trust in news; X (Twitter); political engagement.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEG.2024.142402

International Journal of Electronic Governance, 2024 Vol.16 No.3, pp.378 - 395

Received: 19 Apr 2024
Accepted: 06 Jul 2024
Published online: 29 Oct 2024 *