This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: New research from the University of Kansas has found that the more media-literate people are, the more they trust institutions such as government and nonprofits. In addition, their social media habits can predict civic engagement.
Across two studies involving more than 1,300 adults in India, researchers examined internet use, media literacy, online behavior and other factors. The goal was to understand how people view institutions such as government, media and libraries, all components of a healthy democracy. India, one of the world's most populous countries and largest media markets, has not traditionally been the focus of such research.
"We're measuring the kind of questions like whether or not people trust those institutions to help them or carry out democratic values," said Christopher Etheridge, assistant professor of journalism and mass communications at KU and one of the studies' authors. "We thought, 'Why can't we ask these questions in an understudied part of the world?' Research has shown media literacy and civic engagement are important in Western countries. Does that carry the same weight in other parts of the world?" For one study, researchers examined Indian citizens' media literacy and use, as well as how they view social institutions.
Respondents were asked to report their trust in democratic institutions such as governments, nonprofits and media outlets, as well as their media consumption habits, online activities and perceptions of their media literacy. The strongest predictor of trust in social institutions was media literacy. Respondents who felt confident navigating websites, finding information and teaching those skills to others reported the highest levels of social trust.
"The higher their confidence in media literacy was, the higher their confidence was in the government and other organizations to benefit democracy," Etheridge said. "The more they knew about how the media and technology companies worked, the more they believed they were competent in their community roles." Respondents who reported regularly critically assessing the information they get online also had higher levels of institutional trust. Conversely, those who tended to use social media heavily had lower levels of trust in institutions.
Researchers examined the use of Facebook and WhatsApp, two very popular social media platforms in India. Those who used WhatsApp more tended to have less trust. "Because of the nature of the platform, we don't see a lot of government or public institutions getting on it.
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